Hootenanny can sail in and make it America’s Cup
A RGUABLY the best race of the day is the newly-created Group One Commonwealth Cup (3.40pm).
Leading contender Limato had his colours lowered for the first time in his six-race career at Haydock last month, but the rain had got into the ground that day and he was drawn out on his own.
He’s far better than he showed then and looked a genuine Group One performer when routing a really good field over course and distance on his previous outing.
The quick surface will be ideal and, even though his trainer Henry Candy has been making some negative noises, he looks sure to run his race.
In US raider HOOTENANNY he meets a colt who has the speed of a sprinter, but also the stamina to stay as far as a mile. Trainer Wesley Ward has already tasted Royal Ascot success with the colt having won last year’s Windsor Castle Stakes. The pair then went on to land the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf over a mile in October.
He was mightily impressive on his seasonal reappearance back in April and that would have put him spot on for this afternoon’s assignment.
There looks sure to be plenty of pace in the race and Hootenanny should get a lovely lead from the speedy Tiggy Wiggy, who breaks from a nearby stall.
At bigger prices, Charlie Hills’ Muhaarar failed to stay the French 2,000 Guineas trip last time and can hit the frame at 12/1.
That said, I’ll stick with Hootenanny, at 5/1 with Betway, and I’ll also be supporting him in match bets against rivals like Tiggy Wiggy and Limato with Sporting Index.
Elsewhere, I’m expecting the Ryan Moore bandwagon to keep on rolling by steering ALOFT to victory in the Queen’s Vase (5.35pm).
The son of Galileo hasn’t been seen since chasing home Elm Park in a Group One at Doncaster at the backend of last season. If he stays the two mile trip here, he’ll win.
▀ Pointers…
HOOTENANNY 3.40pm Ascot (today)
Aloft 5.35pm Ascot (today)