Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle misses the chance to drive Modern News in the Summer Mile Stakes but has six more chances at Ascot on Saturday ahead of a trip to France.
Stamina is the strongest suit in Crusade
I team up with Charlie Appleby and the Godolphin team in the Magnum Classic Handicap Ice Cream (4.10) on wild crusadewhich only faces two rivals for a decent price.
He ran well in defeat at a similar mile-and-a-half handicap at the Dante Festival in York, when he was kicked out as the favorite, but the horse who beat him, Al Quareem, improved form to finish second of group three Bahrain Trophy. at Newmarket on Thursday.
The son of Dubawi remains strong but will see his credentials tested by Israr, who was a solid third behind Bahrain Trophy winner Deauville Legend in the King George V Handicap at the Royal Meeting at this course and distance.
Undefeated Wild Crusade companion Warren Point, stepping up his journey with Tom (Marquand) on board for the first time, completes the trio in a tight little shape puzzle.
Tabdeed to erase royal disappointment
We were expecting a big race of tabdeed in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot but it all went wrong at the start when he was nearly knocked down by a loose horse being pulled alongside us.
Archie Watson’s gelding had been placed in Listed races at Windsor and Haydock Park before this accident, so he has every chance of getting back on track in the £100,000s. Betfred Heritage Handicap (3.00).
Raasel, who beat us at Haydock, broke form by winning Group 3 Coral Charge at Sandown last weekend. The fast terrain provided will suit him and I have several fancy horses around me in stall seven to take me on the run.
Tabdeed (blue and white) wins the Hackwood Stakes at Newbury
Even galloping Caldwell’s key
I’m counting on a good even gallop for Michael Scudamore Caldwell in the High Speed Services Handicap (2.25) – a horse with which I won the All-Weather in the spring.
He can be a bit snappy in his races as he was when I finished second to him over two miles at Kempton last month, but a mile and six furlongs on this steep track will play to his strengths if I can l get settled.
Later, I can’t wait to fly the ultra-reliable Don’t tell Claire for Dan and Claire Kubler in the Village Hotels Handicap Fillies (4.45). She has a lot of weight to carry but should enjoy running against her own gender again after running to some credit in the Kensington Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Don’t Tell Claire won a better fillies race over course and distance last September, but remains higher in the handicap.
Don’t Tell Claire and Liam Keniry win at Sandown in 2020
I also ride as a newcomer The Bullion Bomber in the opening British Stallion Studs EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (1.50) for the owners of Tadbeed, Lone Star Investments. I’ve never sat on him at home, but he’s an ambitious son of Mehmas who will improve for experience no matter what he achieves in his debut.
Finally I’m on an old star in the Ascot Sebastian’s Action Trust Christmas In July Handicap (5.15). Mr Tyrrell was a schoolteacher to Richard Hannon for years but still retains his abilities at the age of eight, so hopefully he does well.
Gunning for Listed success in France
I’m flying to France on Sunday to do smart sprinting Garrus for Charlie Hills in the list Price Of Ris-Orangis (4.25) in Deauville.
The six-year-old was unable to make his presence felt in the squad for a platinum jubilee at Royal Ascot, but had run some fine runs in defeat before that, including when he was hopelessly denied in group three Abernant Stakes at Newmarket in April.
This six furlong is ideal for a horse that won a group three at track last August and should appreciate the lower rating.
Hollie Doyle was talking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft
