6f Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (No Geldings) (Class 1) (3yo)
The market is priced up based on last season’s juvenile sprinting form and I’m not so keen on following those horses that have tried their luck in a Guineas contest over a mile this season. Little Big Bear is one such horse, a worthy favourite for this race, and definitely a proper sprinter. But you can pick holes in the form of his Sandy Lane Stakes win and an even-money shot in a Group 1 3yo sprint just seems daft.
There are two I have had in mind for this for several weeks now. SHAQUILLE continues to be underestimated by the market, he has won four on the bounce and put in a huge effort last time out to claim the Carnavon Stakes (Listed) at Newbury defeating the likes of Noble Style comfortably with Desert Cop back in second who finished sixth in the Group 1 Kings Stand on Tuesday. That race is typically a good trial for this.
Shaquille is a real proper looking sprinter, he is strong, bulky and his yard can often sometimes struggle to keep a lid on him. But he settled much better last time out and I think with racing he is becoming more professional. Critically, he is very strong at the finish of his races and that will stand him in very good stead here. Fast ground will be no bother too him and I can see him powering his way from start to finish.
The other one which appears to have been missed by the market is the hugely priced OCEAN QUEST. This filly has looked hugely progressive and remains unexposed over fast ground with most of her winning over a softer surface to date. She had question marks over how she would handle good ground last time when racing on the wrong-side to go down narrowly to The Antartic in a Group 3 at Naas, but I think those question marks were answered as she came thundering home and was surely a beaten best horse on the day.
She gets the 3lbs fillies allowance and I can see Ocean Quest running a mighty race based on her pedigree as she is by Sioux Nation who won the Norfolk Stakes here. I can’t let her go unbacked at 20/1 in what is a wide-open race despite a short favourite.
1pt win Shaquille @9/1, 15:05 Royal Ascot, Friday
1pt win Ocean Quest @20/1, 15:05 Royal Ascot, Friday