2:05 Ascot Tips

Rated 120, LAZZAT sets the standard in this 6f sprint. This French-trained 4-year-old won his first six races over in France, landing two Group 3’s and the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest. His debut run on these shores saw him win the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) at Royal Ascot over today’s track and trip in June. That was his most recent win, having been beaten at short odds (8/15 and evens) the last twice in Group 1 company. The return to this track is a major positive; however, the draw is of slight concern. It can be advantageous to be drawn high over this sprint trip. The selection does like to be to the fore in races, and this big field may make it more difficult to get an uncontested lead, especially with the likes of Spy Chief (stall 4), Art Power (stall 10) and Qinault (stall 15) in the race. I would expect the selection to prove very tough to beat, though. He’s a straightforward sort who will relish the conditions. NAP!

Kind Of Blue won this race last year. It should be noted that trainer James Fanshawe's stable has won this race three times since 2011. Kind Of Blue is a very high-class prospect and has a very good chance of winning the prize

Big Mojo won over course and distance when winning the Commonwealth Cup trial in April and bounced back to form when winning the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock last month. The sprint division has not had a dominant performer this year, so a well-drawn last time out Group 1 winner looks a good EW bet at these odds.

This horse was a strong traveller when given a poor ride last time out and we get a jockey upgrade to Oisin Murphy now who won't be making the same mistakes. She comes here having taken the same route as 5 of the last 10 winners of this race. The horse has been placed in both of her previous Group 1s over c&d including this race last year as a 3yo so there's every reason to expect her to go close again here.

There should be plenty of pace on in this contest and, given the way he ran after almost a year off the track, Montassib looks sure to come on a fair bit for that Newbury run. He was slowly away and a little outpaced over an inadequate 5 furlongs, but gradually closed the gap on the main group and, once Cieren Fallon switched his legs, he picked up nicely to finish a never??'nearer third. A Group 1 winner at Haydock last season in the Betfair Sprint Cup, he also ran fifth in this race twelve months ago where he found interference when running on strongly from the back. It looks clear that William Haggas has had this race in mind for him again and kept him fresh all season. Back up to his ideal trip, he can be expected to sit off a strong gallop and finish late. With the likes of Lazzat, Ten Bob Tony, James’s Delight, and Spy Chief drawn at his side and likely to go forward, the race shape should set up perfectly for a closer. At around 6/1, Montassib looks a solid each??'way contender who can come home strongest once again.

Did best of those drawn low last time and should overturn that form with the likes of Big Mojo. Won Commonwealth Cup over course and distance last year and could go well in this.

A number of these would prefer an easier surface, and there have been a number of bigger-priced winners in the past 10 years. Lazzat ran better than the result suggests last time at Haydock as he was not well drawn. He is sure to go close if he runs to his best, but for me, he is a bit short. Rayevka ran her best race of the season in the Commonwealth Cup here in June. She started towards the far side and lost a fair bit of ground to end up on the stand side, where she stayed on really well through the final furlong to be nearest at the finish. She is a strong traveller, and with plenty of pace on, she should get the race run to suit. She is drawn just on the higher half of the draw, but if Barzalona can get her settled, he should be able to bring her where he wants her, and at around 12/1, she looks a solid each-way bet and rates a sporting Nap of the day.

Race 3 at Ascot today is the Champion Sprint Stakes - Group 1 for 3-year-olds and upwards over 1,207 m. The suggested wager is for the each way on the Irish raider King Cuan from the Paddy Twomey yard, and will be ridden by William Lee. This son of Tasleet is a 4-time winner from just 9 starts and is going from strength to strength. His latest was a super close 2nd in a Gr3. Jockey Lee has won on all 4 wins, and this gelding could be the surprise package here. Worth a chance.

Took third close to home over 7 furlongs on very soft ground at Longchamp 13 days ago. Only raced over this trip twice and although unplaced in both he was sent off a short price in both, joint favourite in one and not beaten far each time. With a fast and furious pace expected in this big field, Ten Bob Tony, could be the value play each way here coming late on the scene.

No comment made

A forgiving nature is required in these sprints this season, and whilst class could out as the market indicates here, these races must be hard to price up. I was minded to have No Half Measures at a big price again here after a fairly luckless run at Haydock behind some of these last time. She got bumped when making a run and then totally squeezed out of things at the furlong pole. With no shortage of pace in here, this will take some getting, and she’s got excess stamina in her pedigree to suggest a stiff 6 could be up her street. Drawn alongside Spy Chief again should give her a first target on the low side of the draw, as well as having market leader Lazzat over that side. If the front runners can burn themselves out, I think she can put Haydock behind her and prove a tough nut in what is an inevitably wide-open sprint.

Run to Freedom has been a decent sprinter over the years. Finished 3rd in the July Cup at Newmarket and looks a huge price in an open-looking race.

Powerful Glory is one that I don't think will win this, but I do think he could end up in the money as he won a G2 in September and only had two runs since. Both were at the back of the pack. As a 3-year-old, he should be improving. He returned last month in a C2 and could have just needed that run. He is now second up after wind surgery, which might put him back on track. EW 4P.