Ascot 16:00
There is a small field for this Listed race and I am not sure it is of the highest quality, however it is still an intriguing contest.
John Gosden has two out of the five runners and Secateur is the favourite. He is out of Danehill Dancer and has produced some pretty good performances but not enough to warrant being the short price that is he. He was well beaten into fourth place last time out at Haydock, and although the drying ground will definitely be in his favour (it was a little sticky at Haydock) I still think he has a bit to find.
Mill Springs is the other Gosden runner and he wasn't disgraced in a Group 2 over this distance last time out. That was his first attempt at one mile and six furlongs and a repeat of that performance can see him go close.
Ed Dunlop runs Sagaciously and her only try in this kind of company was as a two year old where she finished well down the field. It doesn't appear that she will turn into anything more than a solid handicapper, therefore this race should be a little too much for her.
Le Rock is really lightly raced and could therefore be open to any amount of improvement, however it is hard to see him getting close to these on today's terms and what he has shown so far.
The one I want to be on is Pin Up for Richard Fahey. Ryan Moore is on board and she beat Secateur by nearly seven lengths at Haydock over this distance last time out. She has been improving really nicely and although Secateur is ten pounds better off this time around, I am sure there is more to come from this likeable filly and can see her putting up a really good fight.
The Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe takes place on Sunday and it looks a cracking renewal. The draw for the stalls takes place today and although this will not have as much of an effect as in previous years due to the small size of this years field in comparison, I still want to get my bet on before it takes place.
The drying ground is perfect for John Gosden's Excellent three year old Golden Horn and at best price 9/2 I think he is a stand out bet. The superb Treve is going for a hat trick of wins in the Arc but the ground will not be in her favour here and although she would be a popular winner, I can see a few of these being too good for her this year. Golden Horn has only lost the one race so far and that was on ground that was far too soft so I think everything is set up perfectly for him to round off his three year old campaign, and perhaps his career, in fine style.
Today's Selections
Ascot 16:00 Pin Up - 1 point @ 2/1 (Several firms)
Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe Golden Horn - 2 points @ 9/2 (Paddy Power, Ladbrokes)