1.15 Haydock – Cicero’s Gift (Win)
Cicero’s Gift can be forgiven for his latest effort when he finished down the field at Glorious Goodwood. The ground was just too quick for him that day, as he’s a horse who would prefer softer ground. The time before that, he was a good winner at Sandown over 1m, staying on strongly in a decent handicap. He beat Holloway Boy that day, who opposes again here, but the selection is 2lb better off for that run. Connections have always said this horse could be a Group 1 performer in time, and maybe this could be his day, where the ground should be in his favour.
1.50 Haydock – Master Builder (Win)
Master Builder ran a really good race last time out when he finished third in a very hot handicap at the Ebor Festival. That run came on quick ground, which is probably not his ideal surface, as I think he would prefer a bit of ease. If you go back through his form then you’ll see he’s won on soft before so the conditions at Haydock should be perfect. The three-year-old gelding is off a 3lb higher time around, but I don’t think that will be enough to stop him.
2.25 Haydock – Oneforthegutter EW
Oneforthegutter ran a blinder in the Ebor Handicap to finish third when we last saw him. The five-year-old gelding has been running well all season. He finished second at Newmarket in July and then followed it up with a respectable finish in the Racing League at Yarmouth. He is 4lb higher than his last winning mark, but I think he’s a horse who could still have a bit of scope for his mark. The ground should be fine, and Ryan Moore is a positive jockey booking. I would be disappointed if he wasn’t in the frame.
3.00 Haydock – Designer EW
I think you put a line through the run of Designer when he saw her last time out at York. Things didn’t go right for her that day. She had a bad draw, and she didn’t get a clear passage when the race started to quicken up. Though she is drawn in Stall 1, I think it might pay to be low, which could suit her. Furthermore, the ground should be fine, as she’s run well on quick and testing conditions before. She might be the outsider, but she should not be discounted for her shrewd connections.
3.35 Haydock – Art Power EW
This is a very deep renewal of the Haydock Sprint Cup, but I am siding Art Power. He’ll probably go under the radar for this race, but last he popped up to win the Group 1 Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day at a huge price. This season he hasn’t shown too much, but I thought there was plenty to like at Glorious Goodwood. He showed a lot of pace that for a long way over 7f, but just faded in the closing stages to Audience, who is Group 1 winner over 1m. I think coming back to 6f will suit him, and if he can break well and get off to a good start, he could be hard to peg back.
1.35 Ascot – Rebel Territory EW
My eye was drawn to Rebel Territory here. We don’t see him very often, but when we do, he tends to run his race. The six-year-old gelding was last seen finishing a respectable sixth at Glorious Goodwood, and he shaped like he would need the run. I think going to Ascot will suit him, as he won the Victoria Cup over this course and distance last May. The rain softened ground will be right up his street, and he looks a big player for a yard who is coming into form.
2.10 Ascot – French Duke (Win)
This is a tricky race, but I am just going to side with French Duke. He finally got off the mark at Glorious Goodwood when he justified favouritism in a close finish. Prior to that, he had caught the eye at Royal Ascot when getting hampered in running. He just looks like a horse who has more to offer in handicaps. His trainer, Roger Varian, has a good record in this race, and he nominated it as a future target after his win at Goodwood. The son of Sea The Star is 9lb higher, but that doesn’t put me off.
2.35 Kempton – Kalpana (Win)
There are a few here that have a chance, but Kalpana makes some appeal. She’s been very progressive this season, and she was last seen winning a Listed race at Hamilton in July. The daughter of Study Of Man looks like she’s got more improvement to come, and some of her form from earlier in the season reads well. Moreover, coming back to all-weather won’t be a bad thing as she’s got form on it. However, the biggest difference could be the weight for age and fillies allowance. She’s getting a stone from Hamish, which is a huge advantage for her.
3.15 Kempton – Rhythm N Rock EW
John Butler is always worth a second look in these races. His runner, Rhythm N Rock, looks to have been targeted for this race. The six-year-old has only run in three races over the past 12 months, which were all qualifiers for this final. He likes the track and is on a fair mark. Moreover, he has a good draw in Stall 4. If he can get into a good position, connections just might be able to land this pot.
