Chil the kite could soar above rivals in Victoria Cup
ASCOT’S card tomorrow looks tricky as it is without the imponderables of whether the rain will come and how many non-runners there could be consequently .
The big betting heat is the Victoria Cup (3.45pm) and my two against the field are ZARWAAN and CHIL THE KITE.
Zarwaan would be a really confident selection at 16/1 with Betway if the ground has soft in the description, and I’ll probably only back him if that’s the case.
I’m convinced he’s going to prove far better than a mark of 102 and he has plenty of classy handicap form from last year.
Chil The Kite simply looks too big a price at 20/1, even allowing for the fact he shoulders top-weight.
Hughie Morrison’s last eight runners have finished 11213112, so it’s fair to say the yard is in electric form.
The Notnowcato gelding was an excellent sixth off 9st10lb in the valuable Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day last October and always runs well here. I can see him travelling powerfully and being there at the business end.
Over at Lingfield, Christophermarlowe bids to book his place in the Investec Derby in the trial (2.55pm). However, the presence of a number of unexposed animals, and the fact he’s probably going to be close to odds-on, means I’m not wanting to get involved.
WEDDING VOW is a confident selection for the Oaks Trial (2.20pm), though, in the same colours as Christophermarlow. She’s still a maiden but her form when third to last weekend’s QIPCO 1,000 Guineas winner Legatissimo – another who carries the Michael Tabor silks – means she’s the one to beat.
■ Pointers…
WEDDING VOW 2.20pm Lingfield (tomorrow)
ZARWAAN e/w 3.45pm Ascot (tomorrow)
CHIL THE KITE e/w 3.45pm Ascot (tomorrow)