Ascot Races: Exciting Prospects and Competitive Handicaps on Display
In the 14:30 race at Ascot, the Michael Bell-trained Whistlejacket looks to be an exciting prospect. After a narrow defeat on debut, the colt bounced back impressively last time, making all to easily beat subsequent Marble Hill winner Arizona Blaze. Jockey Frankie Dettori believes he has the best horse in the race, saying “He is a very exciting prospect.”
The 15:05 Ascot Handicap appears a wide-open affair, with Dettori riding Chantilly, who bumped into a smart rival last time but could benefit from the step up in trip. The jockey notes, “This will be the quickest ground he has encountered, but he should go well if he handles it.”
In the 15:45 Fillies’ Handicap, Dettori has the choice of two equally-rated fillies in Rubies Are Red and Port Fairy. He opts for the latter, who comes here fresh after a good run at Chester, and says they both need to improve to win this competitive contest.
The feature 16:25 Kyprios looks primed to defend his 2022 crown in the Ascot Gold Cup. The Aidan O’Brien-trained stayer was a multiple Group 1 winner last season and Dettori is confident he can return to that level, stating, “Hopefully he is ready to return to his Group 1-winning best.”
In the 17:05 handicap, Dettori rides the Kingman colt Air Commander, who will need to step up on recent form but the jockey believes the first-time visor could bring about improvement.
The 17:40 race features another potentially smart performer in King’s Gambit, but Dettori is hopeful his mount Portland can continue his progression, having won over further at Leopardstown last time.
Finally, in the 18:15 contest, Dettori partners the in-form Divine Libra, who looks to build on recent wins at Chester and Newmarket.
Overall, Ascot racegoers are in for an exciting day of racing, with several promising horses and competitive handicaps on the card.
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