1Pt Win Arod @5/2, Fred Cowley MBE Memorial Summer Mile Stakes, Ascot 14:45
The unbeaten Lightning Spear (7/2) steps up from handicap company, putting his unbeaten record to the test in this Group Two. He’s been rewarded with an elevated mark of 104, which is great, but the same handicappers have him a full 13lbs behind the bang-in-form Arod, who deservedly leads the market at 5/2.
This is a horse who over his career has placed in a Derby (4th) and finished within a length of Group One winners Night Of Thunder (Lockinge Stakes, 2000 Guineas), The Grey Gatsby (French Derby, Irish Champion Stakes) and Toormore (National Stakes). That’s solid Group One form and, also a winner last time out in Group Three company at Epsom, he sets a high standard – a standard I’m not sure the others are up to.
The betting suggests Lightning Spear is the main threat, but retained rider Andrea Atzeni defects in favour of the selection. Cable Bay is closely matched, but ultimately held on form, and the uncomplicated front-running tactics of the selection won’t let this small field of six turn into a sprint. Catch him if you can.
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