1m4f (1m3f211y) King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105)
The London Gold Cup form is well-represented here with no fewer than four runners coming out of the race. Persica has already franked the form, but may have shown too much to the handicapper and has to carry top-weight off a 9lbs higher mark. Chantilly ran very well in the London Gold Cup as well, finishing third behind PONIROS who ran an absolute blinder in the same race.
This son of Golden Horn came from the rear, travelling well and stayed on to finish a good second behind what could be a star in Kings Gambit, who runs later on the card. Poniros looked like he would enjoy a further step up in trip by two furlongs to 1m 4f and the fast ground should also be to his liking. I’ve been keen to back him for this for a while and despite a 4lbs rise, I think a mark of 92 looks very attractive for a colt that has a lot of potential.
Coolmore throw several darts at this race and whilst others have better overall form, I am going to take a chance on GALLANTLY, who finally got offer the mark after four starts at Chester last time. Gallantly’s three previous starts had all been over a mile on soft or heavy ground where he tried to make the running and the yard commented that he was a bit weak as a two-year-old.
They were valiant efforts, but he really looked a different proposition last time out on better ground over 1m 2.5f. This Frankel colt seemed to shape as though a further step-up in trip would suit him on fast ground and it’s hard to believe that a mark of 88 is anywhere near his ultimate ceiling and I fancy this second string to run a big race.
1pt win Poniros @15/2, 15:05 Royal Ascot, Thursday
1pt win Gallantly @14/1, 15:05 Royal Ascot, Thursday