Stoute mare is Heaven Sent in Windsor Forest
When Ryan Moore booted HEAVEN SENT two lengths clear at the distance in this contest 12 months ago, the race looked all over bar the shouting. However, the daughter of Pivotal became a sitting target as she idled in front and was claimed late on by Sabana Perdida. It was an understandable manoeuvre for a filly that stays at least 10 furlongs, but I’m sure connections will opt to hold onto her for longer today.
The Stoute yard often targets this event having already won it with the likes of Echelon and Peeress for the same owners. Lush Lashes looks the obvious threat to our selection and the form of her win over course and distance last year in the Coronation Stakes is miles above what is required here. However, she has had plenty of hard races and with her Group One penalty I am happy to take her on at the prices. If she does trade really short, it may pay to sell her on the index with Sporting Index as some of Jim Bolger’s have disappointed in recent weeks and the yard isn’t firing.
Elsewhere, INFIRAAD looks a really exciting prospect in the Jersey Stakes (2.30pm) and it’s interesting that Richard Hills has chosen him over stablemate Ouqba. He bolted up at Newmarket last time and looks a really progressive colt heading in the right direction.
Finally, I like the look of GOOD AGAIN in the Sandringham Handicap (5.30pm) and regular readers of this column will remember we landed a touch on this filly over course and distance last month. She was all at sea on Haydock’s soft ground last time and the better ground will be much more to her liking.
POINTERS…
INFIRAAD Royal Ascot 2.30pm
HEAVEN SENT Royal Ascot 3.05pm
GOOD AGAIN e/w Royal Ascot 5.30pm