Last 10 winners
• 9/10 had won a group race over 5f (one that hadn’t was a three-year-old)
• 9/10 had already run that season 9one that hadn’t was a three-year-old)
• 8/10 were four or older
Contenders (best prices):
Fleeting Spirit (11/4 Ladbrokes) looks the pick of the home challenge judged on her impressive two length victory in the Temple Stakes last time. She’s clearly thrived from two to three, but the British have taken a right beating in this race over the last few years, with three Aussies and a French raider taking the spoils. The challenge from Down Under is headed by Takeover Target (11/2 Boylesports), first in 2006 and fourth in 2007, and the evergreen nine-year-old comes here at the top his game after beating fellow Aussie challenger Magnus (10/1 totesport) half a length over 6f on his most recent start. The home team is bolstered by Benbaun (8/1 Paddy Power), who was a short-head second to Takeover Target in this race two years ago, and Kingsgate Native (8/1 general), who won the Nunthorpe last season as a two-year-old (the first since 1992) and later finished second to Benbaun in the Abbaye on ground softer than ideal. Palace House winner Captain Gerrard (16/1 bet365) and Spanish challenger Equiano (20/1 Stan James) add further spice to the mix.
Verdict:
This is another step up in class for Fleeting Spirit, but she looked an exceptionally fast sprinter when smashing the 5f course record at Haydock last month and could be one of the sprint finds of the decade. She’s best on a sound surface and should have her ideal conditions - Ascot drains like a sieve these days - and if anyone tells you that a three-year-old can’t win this race, then remind them of Dominica’s win six years ago. I reckon Fleeting Spirit is a fair bit better than that one and, dare I say it, she’s my opening day banker. Magnus is essentially quicker than Takeover Target, who is dropping back in trip here, and looks the one for the forecast.
Recommended Bets:
Fleeting Spirit 6pts @ 11/4 Ladbrokes
The above to beat Magnus 1pt straight forecast