New Departure?

The more things change, the more they stay the same!! Good card, decent prize, one true equine star, top track! Today's much vaunted new meeting at Ascot should herald an upsurge in Flat racing's fortunes and profile. But unsurprisingly the ill timed and cack-handed introduction of the new whip regulations with it's ensuing media coverage has undone all the good work. Cock-up or conspiracy?

Nevertheless we have an interesting card and the return of Frankel to ponder. Henry Cecil's superstar on all known evidence should prevail, but at 3s on looks too short against a decent field, including 3 Group 1 winners.

Ballydoyle's Australian import So You Think has not really lived up to the hype. Have seen him up close in the paddock and he looks a magnificent specimen. However I am not sure his powerful physique is suited to European racing where a ready turn of foot is vital at the top level. He battled in great style at Sandown, ran on well at Longchamp, but failed to find an extra here at the Royal Meeting. Expect him to run well again this afternoon in the relocated Champion Stakes, but reckon he is vulnerable to a late finisher. Obvious candidates include Cirrus Des Aigles and Dubai Prince but reckon the latter's stablemate Casamento (Group 1 winner) under the boy wonder (Mikael Barzalona) has a chance and looks under priced at 33/1.

The card also sees a cracking sprint. The quickish ground looks as if it will undermine the leading contenders and along with Ascot's penchant for sprint surprises, it might well pay to look for an outsider. Both Dafeef and Night Carnation have nice bits of form, are relatively unexposed and at current odds fit the bill.

enjoy