The 3.57 at Ascot today looks a really interesting race as Middle Earth, Naqeeb and CHESSPIECE clash heads and all 3 progressive youngsters would seem to have an obvious chance on paper. I think the most reliable would be Simon Crisford's horse who seemed to do too much too soon in the St Leger last time out. Prior to that he seemed to be progressing run on run and his form stacks up to close inspection. Middle Earth has come a long way in a short space of time and this might be one run too many at this time of the year whilst Naqeeb is facing his toughest test of his career and the leap in class might just catch him out today.
Ascot 3.57 – Chesspiece
Saturday
CLOUDBREAKER has had numerous options in recent weeks but Charlie Fellowes has opted for this handicap option which on the face of it looks a really good opportunity to get her head back in front. Her form warrants her being a hot favourite here but I suspect she might be overlooked when the prices come out later on today. Her trainer admitted she ran a funny race last time out, where she appeared to be tapped for toe before staying on again late on, but her track position wasn't ideal that day and she will hopefully be better placed tomorrow. She is my bet of the weekend.
ESCOBAR has shown nothing this season so far but he looks primed to run a big race as he bids to defend his Challenge Cup crown. David O'Meara has followed the same path into this race as he gave him a spin in the Ayr Gold Cup last time out. That would have sharpened him up nicely for this and he looks a big price for a horse on a13lb lower mark than when winning this last year.
Newmarket 2.40 – Cloudbreaker
Ascot 3.35 – Escobar
