13 minute read
Fifth Race
by Weatherbys
The Ascot Stakes
(Heritage Handicap)
Two Miles About Four Furlongs (19f abt 210yds) (3,900 metres) For Four Yrs Old And Upwards (Class 2) Total race value £100000
(FOR CONDITIONS OF THIS RACE SEE PAGE 79)
Stalls - Inside
Owners Prize Money. Winner £40630; Second £20320; Third £10160; Fourth £5080; Fifth £2540; Sixth £1270. (Penalty Value £51540) 15 Eliminated Under Rules (I)9 and (I)10. SS
Form Owner
603360//- Ch g Declaration of War (USA) - Notable (Zafonic (USA)) EMPIRE STATE RACING PARTNERSHIP James Doyle
DAN SKELTON, Alcester
Groom - Alex Knight (Breeder - Lynch Bages Ltd) RED, WHITE star, WHITE sleeves, DARK BLUE stars, DARK BLUE cap.
Draw 18
HHH Unraced on Flat since summer 2019 (when he was smart over 1m6f) and has been dropped 4lb since; has improved as a hurdler for going up to 3m, which boosts hope for this trip on Flat, and he ran creditably last month after six-month absence; case can be made. Official BHA Rating 100 2 ROCK EAGLE (GB) (17) 7 9 11 (137)
51/322-6 Ch g Teofilo (IRE) - Highland Shot (Selkirk (USA)) MR J. C. SMITH Rob Hornby
RALPH BECKETT, Kimpton Down (Breeder - Littleton Stud)
Draw
PURPLE, LIGHT BLUE chevron, LIGHT BLUE cap. 13
HHH Very reliable and the trip will suit, judged on his fifth in the 2020 Cesarewitch over 2m2f; absent 421 days before his very satisfactory recent run over inadequate 1m4f; dropped 2lb since but he’s still only 3lb off his highest mark and a career best will probably be needed; tongue tied first time. Official BHA Rating 99 3 COLTRANE (IRE) (39) 5 9 10 (136)
0/26-422 B g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Promise Me (IRE) (Montjeu (IRE)) MICK AND JANICE MARISCOTTI Callum Hutchinson (5)
Groom - Ryan Gradwell ANDREW BALDING, Kingsclere
(Breeder - Rockfield Farm)
BF WHITE, EMERALD GREEN hoops, DARK BLUE sleeves and cap.
Draw 6
HHHH Won in 2020 on both his starts on good to firm; missed nearly all of last season but his old ability remains and he went very close when always prominent from a good draw in the 2m2f Chester Cup ( joint-favourite) on latest outing; raised 3lb but this trip should suit, 5lb-claiming rider is recruited and they are firmly in the mix. Official BHA Rating 98
Form Owner
31/310-4 B g Arcadio (GER) - By The Hour (IRE) (Flemensfirth (USA)) MRS MIRIAM QUEALLY Harry Davies (5)
JOHN QUEALLY, Ireland Groom - Eoin Daly (Breeder - Mr D. Breen)
Draw
PINK, RED Cross of Lorraine, RED cap. 5
HHHHH Held up; won over hurdles at the Galway Festival and followed up at the York Ebor meeting (2m) last August on the Flat; those were on good ground (unraced on firmer) and so was the 2m2f Chester Cup after six-month break, where he had a troubled run before the home straight and lacked the pace to challenge but finished a creditable fourth; exciting claimer Harry Davies is booked; should relish every yard and have a huge shout if this is a thorough stamina test. Official BHA Rating 97 5 THEMAXWECAN (IRE) (49) 6 9 9 (135)
0130-04 B g Maxios - Psychometry (FR) (Danehill Dancer (IRE)) MR DOUGLAS LIVINGSTON Adam Kirby
CHARLIE & MARK JOHNSTON, Middleham (Breeder - Niarchos Family) C ROYAL BLUE and WHITE (quartered), WHITE sleeves,
RED armlets, ROYAL BLUE cap, WHITE diamonds.
Draw 16
HH Effective here and best on good or good to firm; has a mixed record at 2m2f+ (one run rather stands out from the other four) and his muted start to this season (without and with cheekpieces, now tries blinkers) has not prompted much reaction from the handicapper. Official BHA Rating 97 6 RESHOUN (FR) (17) 8 9 9 (135)
000-405 B g Shamardal (USA) - Radiyya (IRE) (Sinndar (IRE)) DR MARWAN KOUKASH Richard Kingscote
IAN WILLIAMS, Alvechurch (Breeder - S.C.E.A. Haras de Son Altesse L’Aga Khan) CD GREY, BEIGE star, GREY sleeves, BEIGE stars and stars on cap.
Draw 19
HHH Won once in each of the last four seasons, last term always very close up and having his nose in front where it mattered when 66-1 in this race (good to firm); back to the same mark today and ran with credit on two of three runs this term, including last time considering the inadequate 1m4f; has stall 19 today, compared to 3 last year, but he has to be considered seriously. Official BHA Rating 97 7 MARSHALL PLAN (GB) (60) 4 9 8 (134)
20422-2 B c Golden Horn - Manaboo (USA) (Hard Spun (USA)) GODOLPHIN Frankie Dettori
JOHN & THADY GOSDEN, Newmarket Groom - Mahipal Singh Deora (Breeder - Godolphin)
Draw
BF ROYAL BLUE. 15
HHH Won a three-runner novice in March 2021 on his second start; 0-11 otherwise but he’s had some close calls, including when front-running late last year and when narrowly kept at bay by Gold Cup outsider Earlofthecotswolds at Newcastle in April; moved up to 2m for the latter and may well stay 2m4f; cheekpieces last three starts; seen mostly on AW but ran respectably sole run on good to firm; needs a second look. Official BHA Rating 97 8 PIED PIPER (GB) (252) 4 9 7 (133)
035331- Ch g New Approach (IRE) - Pure Fantasy (Fastnet Rock (AUS)) CALDWELL CONSTRUCTION LTD Jamie Spencer GORDON ELLIOTT, Ireland
Groom - Camilla Sharples (Breeder - The Queen)
Draw
RED, WHITE diamond, WHITE sleeves, RED diamonds. 9
Form Owner
260000- B g Jeremy (USA) - Savignano (Polish Precedent (USA)) HP RACING WHO DARES WINS Tom Marquand
Groom - Joe Terry ALAN KING, Barbury Castle
(Breeder - Mount Coote Stud)
Draw
C WHITE, RED seams, RED and WHITE quartered cap. 8
HH 10yo; third in this race in 2017 and won the 2m5f Queen Alexandra here in 2020; well beaten in the latter last year, when he was generally not at his best, but he placed twice off reduced marks as a hurdler early this year and now has a reduced mark to work with on the Flat as well. Official BHA Rating 95 10 TRIBAL ART (IRE) (32) 4 9 7 (133)
60-1323 B g Farhh - Chaquiras (USA) (Seeking The Gold (USA)) SHEIKH HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED AL MAKTOUM Andrea Atzeni CHARLIE & MARK JOHNSTON, Middleham (Breeder - Godolphin) Draw
SILVER, tassel on cap. 14
HH Had wind and gelding operations over the winter and seems all the better for it; rallied very well for short-head win at Wolverhampton (1m6f, AW) in April and made most for good placings at Hamilton (1m5f/1m4f, on softer than good) on last two outings; won last summer on his only two starts on good to firm; looks worth a go beyond 1m6f but this trip is something of a guess. Official BHA Rating 96 11 PROTECTED GUEST (GB) (38) 7 9 6 (132)
213210 B g Helmet (AUS) - Reem Star (Green Tune (USA)) JOHN GUEST RACING Tom Queally
GEORGE MARGARSON, Newmarket Groom - Dominique Mouchlain (Breeder - Rabbah Bloodstock Limited) WHITE, ROYAL BLUE hoop, diabolo on sleeves, ROYAL BLUE cap.
Draw 17
HH Carries his head high but an admirably consistent 7yo who won twice over 1m4f on AW this year and gave one of his best displays when scoring over 1m6f at Nottingham (good to firm) in April; 0-10 at Ascot (well held in warm 1m4f race on latest outing) and easily best of those was in 2019; runner-up on Lingfield AW this April on sole attempt at 2m but this is a new test. Official BHA Rating 94 12 GOLDEN FLAME (IRE) (24) 4 9 6 (132)
0201-02 B c Golden Horn - Flame of Gibraltar (IRE) (Rock of Gibraltar (IRE)) SHEIKH HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED AL MAKTOUM Joe Fanning CHARLIE & MARK JOHNSTON, Middleham (Breeder - Godolphin) Draw
SILVER, ROYAL BLUE cap. 11
HHHH Made all three times in small fields last season and very nearly did the same in a useful 12-runner handicap at Haydock (2m) on latest outing; going back up 2lb is not harsh and this new trip is plausible; needs respect. Official BHA Rating 95 13 BRING ON THE NIGHT (GB) (751) 5 9 5 (131)
011/- Ch g Gleneagles (IRE) - Brasileira (Dubai Destination (USA)) MRS J. DONNELLY Ryan Moore
W. P. MULLINS, Ireland
Groom - Steph Searle (Breeder - Ecurie Serval)
YELLOW and BLACK check, YELLOW sleeves, YELLOW cap, BLACK star.
Draw 3
HHHH Won twice at 1m4f (on heavy and AW) early in 2020 from three starts in France for Andre Fabre; not seen again until winning his hurdles debut at Naas this February, before tongue tied for a remote fourth in the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham and well-beaten fifth at Punchestown (he’s not the most fluent hurdler); Willie Mullins has an incredibly good record in this race, particularly when teaming up with Ryan Moore, so he’s on the shortlist. Official BHA Rating 93
Form Owner
5161-13 B g Le Havre (IRE) - Sea The Sun (GER) (Sea The Stars (IRE)) TAYLOR & O’DWYER Pat Cosgrave
JIM BOYLE, Epsom Groom - Louisa Allen (Breeder - Sunderland Holding Inc.)
Draw
YELLOW, DARK BLUE braces. 7
HH Often front-runner; kept on well for his three 1m4f wins on good going, the latest in a right scrap at Epsom on reappearance; stoutly bred but below form on both attempts at 1m6f, including latest start, which gives him a great deal to prove over 2m4f. Official BHA Rating 94 15 SURREY GOLD (IRE) (24) 4 9 4 (130)
10061-2 B g Golden Horn - Shemiyla (FR) (Dalakhani (IRE)) SURREY RACING (SG) Sean Levey
HUGHIE MORRISON, East Ilsley (Breeder - Fethard Bloodstock Ltd)
YELLOW, DARK BLUE seams, DARK BLUE sleeves, YELLOW stars, DARK BLUE cap, YELLOW star.
Draw 2
HH Wore down the leader close home at York (1m6f, soft) in October and stayed on well to nearly get to the front at Goodwood (1m6f, good to soft) on return; will stay at least 2m but he’s run just once on good ground (below form) and was withdrawn the only time he was due to race on good to firm. Official BHA Rating 93 16 SCARAMANGA (IRE) (248) 7 9 4 (130)
325/100- B g Mastercraftsman (IRE) - Herboriste (Hernando (FR)) MR MALCOLM C. DENMARK Hollie Doyle
PAUL NICHOLLS, Ditcheat Groom - Keagan Kirkby (Breeder - Sarl Elevage du Haras de Bourgeauville) BLACK and WHITE check, YELLOW sleeves, BLACK and WHITE quartered cap.
Draw 1
HH Useful hurdler who had a notable 2m Flat win at Newbury (good to firm) last July; while running creditably at York next time, that was good enough for only ninth to Arcadian Sunrise; has since finished tailed off in the Cesarewitch in October and last of four in a hurdle race in April, whereas this race almost certainly demands a career best; rare run with cheekpieces. Official BHA Rating 92 17 LYDFORD (GB) (299) 5 9 4 (130)
346216- B g Fastnet Rock (AUS) - Miss Brown To You (IRE) (Fasliyev (USA)) MARANTO MANOR Saffie Osborne (3)
GEORGE BOUGHEY, Newmarket Groom - Tim Went (Breeder - Stetchworth & Middle Park Studs Ltd)
RED, WHITE hoops, ROYAL BLUE sleeves, WHITE stars and cap.
Draw 10
HH Disappointed over 2m at Goodwood last June and that was his only appearance on Flat beyond 1m4f when with Roger Varian; had wind surgery before a solid start over hurdles for Dan Skelton but well beaten on last two runs in that sphere; bought for £20,000 in March and credentials aren’t the most solid. Official BHA Rating 92 18 MAKE MY DAY (IRE) (9) 6 9 3 (129)
1/161/-22 B g Galileo (IRE) - Posset (Oasis Dream) MR STEVEN PACKHAM Rhys Clutterbuck (3) GARY MOORE, Horsham
Groom - Chloe Baker (Breeder - Sahara Group Holdings)
Draw
WHITE, RED stripe, diabolo on sleeves. 12
HHHH Long absence before trying hurdling for new connections early this year; much more potent back on the Flat with seconds under Rhys Clutterbuck over 2m on good ground (unraced on firmer) here and at Goodwood; not the most straightforward (hung right on penultimate start) and cheekpieces return, having won a maiden in them in 2019; well handicapped, could be bit better than the last two results and shapes as if he has reserves of stamina. Official BHA Rating 91 51
Form Owner
R113-00 B g Dunaden (FR) - La Tulipe (FR) (Authorized (IRE)) FOURSOME THOROUGHBREDS Nicola Currie
WILLIAM MUIR & CHRIS GRASSICK, Lambourn (Breeder - Ringfort Stud) C YELLOW, DARK BLUE epaulets, YELLOW sleeves,
DARK BLUE spots.
Draw 20
HHH 11th when third favourite for this last year but he had a 2m4f win at Goodwood in 2020; 2m wins at Ascot and Goodwood last August under Nicola Currie (who’s kept the ride since) and he’s back to last winning mark; needs to put a poor show at Haydock behind him and he does not always look in the mood, but well capable of a prominent finish if it’s one of his good days. Official BHA Rating 90 20 MOON KING (FR) (654) 6 9 2 (128)
46/1006/- Br g Sea The Moon (GER) - Maraba (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE)) EVER OPTIMISTIC Liam Keniry
CHARLIE LONGSDON, Chipping Norton (Breeder - Mr Rashit Shaykhutdinov) ROYAL BLUE, YELLOW seams, striped sleeves, YELLOW cap.
Draw 4
HH Unraced on firmer than good; fair eighth in this race in 2020 and has not raced on the Flat since that August; ran mostly with credit in 3m handicap hurdles last term, albeit failing to win one; others are more convincing. Official BHA Rating 90
Result: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Distances: 1-2 2-3 Time:Min . Secs.
NUMBER OF DECLARED RUNNERS 20
Blinkers worn first time by No. 5. Tongue Strap worn first time by No. 2, 8. Tongue Strap worn by No. 7, 13, 17. Visor, Tongue Strap worn by No. 20. Sheepskin Cheek Pieces worn by No. 6, 7, 9, 16, 18. Standard Time: 4 mins 22.00 secs Record Time: 4 mins 16.92 secs by Rite of Passage age 6 wt 9-2 good to firm, 17/06/10 2021: RESHOUN (FR) 7 9 7 William Buick 66-1 (Ian Williams) 19 ran
Race Summary:
Willie Mullins has proved time and time again that he can choose the right candidate for this race, so his Bring On The Night has to be the starting point for calculations. Gordon Elliott tries to pull off the same trick with Pied Piper, who is among several other notable hurdlers in this field. John Queally has a vastly smaller string but his Irish challenger ARCADIAN SUNRISE (nap) has already proved himself in competitive staying handicaps on the Flat, as well as over hurdles, and today’s extra distance can help him turn tables on the highly respected Coltrane who was just ahead of him in the Chester Cup. That may well be good enough to win, as they are the top two on the list. Make My Day is very interesting among those at longer odds, with Golden Flame and last year’s winner Reshoun also requiring a mention.
Race Predictor: RESHOUN
JUST HUBERT
MAKE MY DAY
Please check Bet With Ascot screens for most up to date Race Predictor Forecast: 4-1 Bring On The Night (GB), 5-1 Pied Piper (GB), 9-1 Arcadian Sunrise (IRE), Marshall Plan (GB), 10-1 Coltrane (IRE), 12-1 Reshoun (FR), 16-1 Proschema (IRE), Tribal Art (IRE), Golden Flame (IRE), Going Gone (IRE), Surrey Gold (IRE), 18-1 Rock Eagle (GB), 20-1 Make My Day (IRE), 25-1 Who Dares Wins (IRE), Scaramanga (IRE), Lydford (GB), Just Hubert (IRE), 33-1 Themaxwecan (IRE), Moon King (FR), 40-1 Protected Guest (GB)
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