A new addition to Royal Ascot is a 1m 6f Handicap on Day 2. Fujaira Prince was favourite at the time of writing with claims off the back of his third in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes last year, although he might not quite see out an extra two furlongs. One who looks set to relish it is RANCH HAND, who won convincly on his first attempt at this trip at Haydock, trouncing Trueshan who has since risen 18lbs.
Ranch Hand was sent off favourite for the Cesarewitch when failing to fire on just his sixth start. But with Andrew Balding’s horses in red hot form and a suggestion Ranch Hand should improve with age he looks hard to ignore even at the price.
The other one I want onside is ALRIGHT SUNSHINE at a bigger price of 12/1.
I backed the selection on his season opener 11 days ago in the Group 3 Segaro Stakes, watching in earnest as he ran very well after being held-up. The jockey gave him an easy ride that day and he looks dangerous dropping down in trip with more improvement highly likely over todays conditions.
This stiff 1m 6f trip combined with a bit of juice in the ground puts him firmly in the mix for this despite a small rise in the weights.
1pt win Ranch Hand @5/1, 16:40 Ascot, Wednesday
1pt each-way Alright Sunshine @12/1, 16:40 Ascot, Wednesday (1-5 places, 1/5 odds)