Sir Lamorak to arise to the occasion in King George
WHEN trainer Aidan O’Brien saddled the 1-2-3 in the King George V Handicap (5.35pm) two years ago, I made a mental not not to underrate his unexposed three-year-old colts in this contest ever again.
The pandemic prevented Irish trainers from travelling horses for handicaps 12 months ago, so that wasn’t a factor last year, but the Ballydoyle maestro is back for more two years on.
South Pacific just held off Constantinople in a pulsating finish that day and the key is that both horses had been talked about at one stage as potential Epsom Derby contenders.
The reality was that dropped into handicap company they proved too good with the topweight Constantinople a luckless loser under his big burden.
It appears to be a case of déjà vu with SIR LAMORAK set to carry the number one saddlecloth this time around having missed a possible run at Epsom earlier in the month.
In fact, he had been touted as a potential contender in tomorrow’s King Edward VIII Stakes, but O’Brien must feel there is one last bit of juice to squeeze out of his current handicap mark.
The step up in trip looks sure to suit and he also looks pretty versatile when it comes to the ground.
The 5/1 available in a few places will surely come under huge pressure and I can see him starting half that price.
More importantly, I think he will win this on his way to better things.
If some forecasts are to be believed the ground could be quite soft when it comes to the Buckingham Palace Stakes (6.10pm).
That won’t be a bother for my selection BOARDMAN who relishes some cut in the ground.
He won with any amount in hand over further than this at Chester, beating a horse that went on to frank that form at Epsom next time.
He should be able to switch off in behind a strong pace and be played late by David Allan.
Admittedly, he is 6lbs higher in a better race, but we do not know the ceiling of his ability and he is one to keep onside at 10/1.
The other two that interest me are LORD CAMPARI in handicap company and Danyah dropped back in trip.
My slight preference is for the former as he has looked a proper Group horse in the past and could make easy work of these on his first run in a handicap if back on song.
He is simply too big at 12/1 for one with so much ability.
The trio look an interesting Quinella bet on the World Pool.
POINTERS
Sir Lamorak 5.35pm Royal Ascot
Boardman e/w 6.10pm Royal Ascot
Lord Campari e/w 6.10pm Royal Ascot