AMANDA PERRETT has endured a lean season but she can get back on track in style by saddling Polar Way to win the Golden Jubilee Stakes (3.45) at Royal Ascot today.
The Pulborough trainer saddled 55 winners last year, but has managed only two successes on turf this season. However, there are signs that her runners have turned the corner. On Tuesday, Tillerman excelled himself when fifth in the Queen Anne Stakes, while Mountain Meadow was a welcome winner for the stable at Beverley on Thursday.
If at the top of his game, Polar Way certainly has the ability to go close here. He had little luck in running when sixth to the Australian speedster, Choisir, in the race last year, while he again showed his liking for this course and distance when a neck second to Acclamation in the Diadem Stakes in September. The firm ground will not be a problem and Polar Way looks value at 20-1 with Ladbrokes.
The Godolphin team have had a good week and will fancy their chances of adding to it with Doyen, who will start a warm favourite for the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05). However, he may struggle to cope with Persian Majesty.
On just his second start, the Peter Harris-trained colt landed the Hampton Court Stakes at this meeting 12 months ago, and he looked better than ever when third to Papineau, the subsequent Gold Cup winner, at Goodwood last month. That was a terrific effort considering that he was conceding 10lb to the winner and, still open to improvement, he will be hard to beat.
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Systematic has won on both of his starts over this course and distance and may be the main danger. He appeared not to handle the track when disappointing in the Coronation Cup at Epsom and, if back in the form that saw him win in good style at Chester in May, would not be far away.
There has been little evidence of a draw bias at Royal Ascot this week, but with plenty of early pace on the far side of the track, high numbers may hold sway in the Wokingham Handicap (4.25). Lafi, who will come out of stall 30, can take advantage. A useful performer over seven furlongs when trained by Alec Stewart last season, he has shaped well on both starts since joining Dandy Nicholls, most recently when third to Native Title over six furlongs at Epsom. A strongly-run race should serve him ideally and he can provide his trainer with a first Royal Ascot winner.
The main threat may come from Greenslades, a lightly raced five-year-old. He finished second to Mine in the Victoria Cup over seven furlongs here last month and that form is solid, with the winner having followed up in the Royal Hunt Cup. Greenslades remains fairly treated despite a 4lb rise in the weights.
Best of those on the stands’ side is High Reach, who did well to finish sixth to Moayed from a poor draw in a hot race at Newmarket last month.
The Duke of Edinburgh Handicap (5.00) is tricky, with preference being for Balkan Knight. The David Loder-trained colt has won three of his four starts since being fitted with a visor, most recently staying on strongly to beat Cruise Director on his first attempt at this trip at York. He can overcome a 4lb rise in the weights.
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Hearthstead Wings was impressive when winning his maiden at Ripon by four lengths and should appreciate the extra furlong of the opening Chesham Stakes (2.30), while Perrett can complete a double with Big Moment, who should relish the stamina test provided by the Queen Alexandra Stakes (5.35).
Totescoop6
Leg 1: Dr Thong
1.35 Newmarket
Leg 2: Only If I Laugh
1.50 Ayr
Leg 3: Oscar Pepper
2.20 Redcar
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Leg 4: Island Rapture
2.40 Newmarket
Leg 5: Flur Na H Alba
2.55 Ayr
Leg 6: Wanchai Lad
3.15 Newmarket