ASCOT
2:00
Hannibal Barca
He’s a son of Zoffany out of a Galileo mare who I’ve ridden at home and is definitely ready to start. The Gosden runner looks the one to catch, but does have a penalty, which could leave it open to one of the newcomers like us and while he feels like a horse who could be a smart 3yo over 1m2f, I still think he should run very well today.
2:35
Ottilien
She’s a well bred filly by Holy Roman Emperor which makes her a full sister to French G1 winner Morandi, and I sat on her at home a few days ago and was very happy with what was underneath me. David’s horses have been in good form all season and while I expect her to come on for the run, she’s not out of if by any means.
3:45
Orbaan
He’s been missing the break more by design owing to the fact he can be quite keen so the aim is to get him to relax and see out the trip because if he pulls too hard, he doesn’t get home irregardless of the distance. He’s got plenty of ability and is coming down to a very competitive handicap mark and I don’t think the drop back down to seven furlongs will be a problem because they’ll go that little bit quicker and any rain will really help his cause.
4:20
Serenading
She’s got some very smart form to her name and wasn’t beaten all that far behind Bake at Doncaster last time. Both of Sir Michael Stoute’s runners look potential improvers but my filly has a lot of experience and is a very strong finisher so the stiff finish will suit and hopefully there’s plenty of pace so and I can deliver her late.
4:55
First Edition
Clive said he was very rusty on his penultimate start at Sandown after a bit of a lay off but he came back with a much better run after that when not beaten far in a competitive Handicap at Goodwood last weekend. He’s been dropped another couple of pounds so looks feasibly treated and I know he’s always been held in pretty high regard so things could easily fall his way here.
5:30
Noorban
She is clearly a very quick filly with a lot of talent and having looked at her form you could pretty much set your watch by her. The handicapper appears to have her right where he wants so there isn’t much room for manoeuvre but this is a very small step down in grade and with a bit of luck she’ll run very well and finish in the money again.
