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14:25 Ascot
Mystery Smiles will be adorned with the silks of the King Power Racing second colours and may have some value in his price as a result, he was a decent third in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket when a little too free. He was then out of his depth when down the field in the 2,000 Guineas. He is in much calmer waters here and won on Gd/Sft as a two year old so should cope with any rain.
Latest Generation is the first of two Frankel colts in the race and looks to be improving with each outing. He was second to Royal Fleet who is 3 from 3 on his latest start which was a very good run. Unproven if ground turns into a bog but should be thereabouts otherwise. William Buick takes the ride.
The other Frankel colt in the field Fantastic Fox will be sporting the King Power first colours. He has had three runs this season. On his seasonal debut he was an excellent third to the high-class Snow Lantern. He then won a maiden by 7 1/2L before disappointing at Royal Ascot. He didn’t seem to stay 1M2F that day and dropping down in trip here should suit.
Isla Kai has won all three starts in handicaps including here last time, he is up 3lb in a better race but has proved himself very difficult to pass. The horse he beat last time, Guru is a lb better off for a neck here. This one wants the heavens to open.
Titan Rock claimed third in the Newmarket race in which Latest Generation was second and has shown improvement since stepping up to a mile. Holds a small outside chance but must improve again to figure here.
The Kingman gelding Guru improved significantly when fitted with blinkers when a narrow second to Isla Kai and should have enough to reverse the placenta and finish ahead of his old rival this time around.
Marsabit has won 4 races from 5 starts this year. Being given an extra 5lb for winning a rather weak race at Leicester could make things tough. He is improving but his only defeat this year came on soft ground.
A small race in numbers but a competitive one with every horse improving with each run. The two horses that stand out as having the best form and the ability to rate higher are the two King Power horses. Fantastic Fox looked like he wouldn’t be caught at Royal Ascot but found 1m2F on soft ground proving too much. His earlier run when third to Snow Lantern is absolute high-class form. He could be followed home by the owners second string Mystery Smiles who is overpriced. This is a step down in grade for him and he wont mind rain. I suggest backing both.
FANTASTIC FOX (WIN)
MYSTERY SMILES (E/W)
written by Steve Marriott