Frankel was simply awesome, have you ever seen anything like that demolition job? Then for Sir Henry Cecil to say he was still improving is just a scary thought. It looked as if Excelebration's saddle slipped a little bit, however that only partly explains why he was being caught by Side Glance and in no way takes anything away from Frankel's performance.
The blog yesterday was fairly successful with Gregorian getting third at 16/1 and ending on a high with Hototo winning at 14/1 in the last. Today will be a bit different as I am seeking to win the Placepot at Ascot, but they are still individual selections.
2:30 Ascot - Jersey Stakes - Boomerang Bob - finished a length behind Caspar Netscher two runs ago over this distance before going on to finish 10th in the Guineas. Last time out he was dropped in trip to today's trip when running a stellar race against his elders behind Smarty Socks. If reproducing his best form then he will take all the beating today, even in this race full of class. A real chance.
Talwar - Possibly viewed as a bit of a dodgy one, but he is dropped back in trip today to what looks to be his optimum distance. Last time he was fancied to run a big race in the Guineas against Camelot but went off too fast and never looked the winner. That part of the race is what I'm interested in as he set some really smart sectionals early on. I'm not saying he is one to expect a win from, but could well land a place at a very jazzy price.
3:05 Ascot - Windsor Forest Stakes - Chachamaidee - She looked like a different horse last time out at Lingfield when sprouting wings to come from last to first down the home straight. She also gets weight from the top two in the market today which should see her come out on top. She finished second in the race last year but looks like a much better horse this season and has been aimed at this race once again. Probably the best bet of the day.
3:45 Ascot - Prince Of Wales Stakes - Carlton House - I have never been this one's biggest fan however last time in the Brigadier Gerard he really impressed me after a break. For that reason he gets the nod against So You Think today after the latter hasn't won here in two attempts. It would appear that 10 furlongs is his best trip, which he is also unbeaten at, his two notable defeats have come over 1 mile 4 furlongs. Still a lightly raced horse and could be more to come.
Sri Putra (not placepot) - An admirable horse that always runs his race and finally landed a big race when winning at Kempton when having Side Glance 2 lengths behind him. Last time out in Turkey things didn't go to plan and he couldn't get competitive. This race today will be much more to his liking and could just sneak third at the end of the day.
4:25 Ascot - Royal Hunt Cup - Belgian Bill - Coming back from a break but has been laid out for the race and has been dropped in the weights since last time when losing out by a nose at Wolverhampton. Market support will be notable for this one. Back in January he ran a blinder at Meydan to come second to Songcraft. Last time out he ran off a mark of 102 when running well, today he runs off of a mark of 99 which is a huge bonus for today. Another tick in his favour is the fact that he always goes well fresh.
Arabian Star - He has really come into his own throughout the last year including winning two big Newmarket handicap. As a result is 4 pounds higher last time but that shouldn't hold him back. He is one of a select few in this race who could go a bit further and lake a small group race. David Probert does the low weight today which is also a bonus in this kind of race, he also stays further than this which is almost a necessity in the Hunt cup.
5:05 Ascot - Queen Mary Stakes - Jubilee Diamond - One horse I have been waiting to reappear for a while now since his first and only run at Sandown when I was there. A bit was expected of him that night but it was clear he wasn't fully wound up when swishing his tail throughout the race. Upward Spiral beat him that day and I fully expect the two places to be reversed. You can bet your last penny that Richard Hannon will have him ready to go tomorrow and should take all the beating.
5:35 Ascot - Sandringham Handicap - Hello Glory - Made an encouraging reappearance at York behind the improving Laugh out loud and is better off at the weights with electrelane. She will strip fitter for the experience and should go close today. Her best performance came when behind Lightening Pearl at Newmarket in a group one, a reproduction of the will surely put her on top at the end of the day.
One last thing before I wrap up today's blog I would just like to reflect on the tragedy of day one where The Nile went badly wrong turning for home and had to be destroyed.
Happy Punting
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