1m4f (1m3f211y) King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105)
Merchant looks like he could be a very exciting colt for Highclere, but he is an incredibly short-price in what is a very deep handicap. He also has to defy a wide draw in stall 20. The same can be said for Sing Us A Song who has also been well-found in the market, he has a wide draw, but is improving rapidly.
Sing Us A Song effectively had his own way out in front in a decent-looking handicap at Sandown where back in third GUNSHIP was staying on having been found towards the rear turning for home over 1m2f. Gunship looked to be staying on as well as Sing Us A Song that day and he re-opposes on the same terms here which suggest that if the race is run differently that he could turn the table. Gunship is well-bred by Sea The Stars and clocked up another victory last time out on the all-weather to beat a horse that has now followed up with two successive victories.
Clearly he has to prove he is as effective on fast ground, but the step up in trip looks likely to suit and he feels like he could be quite far ahead of his mark of 89.
PROPOSE is our other selection and whilst on jockey bookings, he looks to be third-string, the penny finally seemed to drop with him when he won a maiden last time out at The Curragh. The son of Frankel had raced greenly on his first two starts and this step-up to 1m 4f looks like it should suit him very well. He has also drawn well and has some very fancies entries including an Irish Derby later in the year so 20/1 feels like huge odds for a horse that is still so early into his career. Of course he is stepping into handicap company for the first time and will need to improve, but he’s been handed a nice draw and I think a strongly run race could really bring out the best in him.
1pt win Gunship @7/1, 1pt win Propose @20/1 15:05 Royal Ascot, Thursday
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