You won’t want to miss a thing on Qipco British Champions Day so make sure you STAY ALERT (2.40).
The Fillies & Mares Stakes is one of the most competitive races on Ascot’s superb card but this improving three-year-old looks well worth a shot at the top level. Hughie Morrison’s hope only got up to win by a neck in a Newbury Group 3 last time out but she was repeatedly short of room in the final two furlongs. It was only her class that saw her home.
It was also good to see her settle nicely in the early stages and she should get a decent pace to aim at today. Have 2pts each-way at 12-1. Most bookies are paying out on four places with Sky Bet and William Hill stretching to five.
The meeting kicks off with the Long Distance Cup where likely favourite Trueshan gets his favoured soft ground. He has a fine chance of landing this race for the third successive year but I can’t help having a few quid on WORDSWORTH (1.25).
This brother of Kew Gardens - winner of this race three years ago - was placed behind Hurricane Lane in two Group 1 races last season and he had a wide draw to cope with in the Irish Cesarewitch last month. This 2m trip on easy ground should be ideal. Have 1pt each-way at 33-1.
ART POWER (2.00) is another Champions Day contender who will like the track conditions. He ran a belter from an almost impossible draw when fourth in the Champions Sprint 12 months ago and Tim Easterby’s speedster is back for another crack.
His impressive Curragh win last month should have put him spot on for this and he will be fresher than most after just three runs this season. Have 1pt to win at 6-1.
Not many horses make their handicap debut as at nine years old but that’s what STORMY ANTARCTIC (4.40) is doing in the Balmoral.
It’s less than a year since he split useful Zakouski and dual Group 2 winner Jadoomi in a Newmarket Listed race and he travelled with all his old style when third at Ayr last month. This could be just his type of race. Have 1pt each-way at 18-1 with plenty of bookies paying out on six places.
