Saturday will bring the midsummer highlight of the Flat season, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot. Friday’s card serves as a substantial first course on a feast of racing.
The card features plenty of top handicappers over all manner of trips, from sprinters to stayers.
Our expert, Clive Gildon, has three fancies on the card, including a horse who was last seen in the Northumberland Plate and an improving sprint filly.
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Ascot Friday tips
2.25 Ascot – True Legend
The early part of True Legend‘s career was typical of a horse in the Sir Mark Prescott yard. He ran in maidens over inadequate trips, then stepped up to middle distances and won a hatful of handicaps.
Since then, luck has deserted him. In the seven runs since his most recent win, he has had four second-placed finishes. He has not seemed to do much wrong, aside from showing a tendency to race freely.
Last time, he was moved up in distance for the Northumberland Plate. Again, he was keen but not destructively so. He moved easily into the straight, was moved across to the far side initially before coming back nearer the stands’ side as the gaps failed to appear and it became obvious that the principals were all on that side.
True Legend still finished ahead of the main pack in fifth at Newcastle. He was a clear eye-catcher and can win off his mark of 92, which remains unchanged. This is a lesser race and he can take advantage.
3.35 Ascot – Mutaawid
This race has a good prize pool of £45,000 and has therefore attracted a strong field. The favourite is Mutaawid, who holds a St Leger entry and looks bound for Group races after his most recent win at Kempton.
It had taken Mutaawid a while to get going before Kempton. He wore blinkers that day and they seemed to make a big difference. He recorded a good time and a fast-finishing sectional to win by six lengths.
It is notable that he responded so well to the headgear and all-weather. He is a full-brother to Mosthadaf, whose career followed a similar path. Mosthadaf thrived once put in headgear, saved a lot of his best runs for the all-weather but also won his first Group 1 at Ascot. Mutaawid may not quite get to that level but is surely better than a handicap mark of 94.
4.45 Ascot – Noel Fox
Three-year-olds have a good record in this race and Noel Fox can enhance that by coming out on top against her fellow flying fillies.
Despite being an expensive breeze-up purchase, Noel Fox did not make the track at two and debuted in April. Her speed was quickly evident and she has learned with each start. Most recently, she won a handicap over this 5f trip at Lingfield.
While that three-runner outing may not appeal as a great race, Noel Fox beat a horse who won their next start. She can continue her progress on this occasion, with a 4lb rise looking far from penal while William Buick taking the ride is a clear positive too.
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