15:05 Ascot
Just the seven runners in this one and a half mile Listed Stakes but it is a wide open race with all of the runners having a claim to victory.
Giant Redwood is the big outsider of the field at around 33's but I am quite keen on him and if there were eight runners he would definitely be an each way choice. He won his maiden at Navan in impressive style when running for Aiden O'Brien but has now switched to the stable of Michael Bell. If he was still with O'Brien his price would be at least half and although he appears to have stamina in abundance, I think he has a real chance at a massive price.
The Godolphin runner Elite Army was last seen a year ago when really well beaten in a similar Listed event at Newbury. He is vying for favouritism here today and in my opinion it is hard to see why. Prior to that he did win three of his first four races but the step up in class seemed to find him out so unless he has made massive improvement, he's not for me.
Oriental Fox for Mark Johnston was second in the Cesarewitch has been consistent without actually getting his head in front since winning the Queen Alexandra Stakes over a marathon distance. Whether or not his has the pace to be able to step back to this distance and win in this class remains to be seen, however Johnston is a genius at getting these types of horses ready so it is hard to rule him out.
The Andrew Balding trained Scotland has run in a number of Group races and has shown impressively in the majority of them. His most recent race was last June when finishing 6 of 12 in the Gold Cup at Ascot where he came from a really wide draw and was good to watch. He has plenty of speed to this kind of distance is perfect for him and as long as they go a decent clip I think he has an excellent chance of taking this today.
Today's Selections
Ascot 15:05 - Scotland - 2 points @ 7/2 (William Hill, Betvictor)