Saturday’s Selections from Ascot (01/10/22)

Katie Midwinter (30/09/22)

1:51pm – Rous Stakes (Listed Race)

Get Ahead 16/1 (EW – 4 places) – Clive Cox, Pat Dobbs

This three-year-old Showcasing filly is a winner over course and distance and put in an excellent performance to gain success at the Glorious Goodwood Festival in July.

If able to replicate that form she has a chance of making the frame at a decent each-way price, given she can improve on her last run on soft ground at Longchamp.

Manaccan is a worthy favourite ahead of this contest, and King’s Lynn is capable of being competitive carrying top-weight.

Clive Cox’s filly will need to prove herself at this level but is capable of showing further improvement and may represent some value in the field.

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2:25pm – Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3)

Get Shirty 10/1 – David O’Meara, Daniel Tudhope

Market leader Hamish appears the one to beat following his second-place finish behind Kyprios in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh earlier this month.

He has run well in two appearances this season, with both runs over a further trip than this 1m4f contest.

It remains to be seen whether or not he can be quite as effective over a shorter distance.

Another contender who has been running over further is Get Shirty.

He has won over a mile-and-a-half this season, albeit in handicap company, and is a reliable, versatile horse, capable of coping with various ground conditions. 

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3:00pm – Bengough Stakes (Group 3)

Rohaan 7/2 – David Evans, Andrea Atzeni

A tough race to predict on the card at Ascot, the Group Three Bengough Stakes has attracted a number of quality contenders, making it a fascinating renewal.

Current favourite Rohaan appears the class of the field and should be the one to beat if at his best.

He ran well in defeat at Haydock when finishing third behind winner Minzaal and Emaraaty Ana.

The gelding, partnered by Hollie Doyle on that occasion, attempted to come from the rear of the field, struggling to find the gaps and running on strongly when finding daylight.

It’s unlikely he would have trouble the impressive winner on the day, but he would have finished much closer than he did.

Another worth mentioning is the fourth-placed horse in the race, Flaming Rib, who has plenty of talent and potential.

The ever-consistent six-year-old mare Gale Force Maya is an each-way player at a big price. She is a likable type who rarely has an off day and is available at 16/1.

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3.36pm – Challenge Cup (Heritage Handicap)

River Nymph 8/1 – Clive Cox, Adam Kirby

A competitive handicap comes in the Challenge Cup at 3:36pm, with eighteen runners set to head to post.

There are many towards the head of the market all capable of being competitive, and it appears to be quite an open race.

On soft ground the nod would go to Safe Voyage following his excellent run at Leopardstown recently.

However, despite there being rain forecast this evening, it may not be enough to have a detrimental effect on the ground.

If the ground remains on the good side course and distance winner River Nymph is favoured.

He finished third over the trip here in May and earlier this month, and, whilst he needs to reverse form with Fresh and Silent Film following his last run, he remains off the same mark of 102, allowing him to be competitive once again.

Orbaan is perhaps one to consider for the places at 16/1 as he has been enjoying a fruitful season.