Trueshan makes his seasonal debut at Ascot on Wednesday with pitch conditions suitable, live on Sky Sports Racing, as Sex On Fire returns to the two-year-old trial.
Ideal conditions for Trueshan’s return
The heavy rain that fell on Berkshire this weekend almost washed away my remaining star VRAIHANwhich makes its highly anticipated seasonal return to Ascot on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
It is well documented that it prefers trenches in the ground, hence the description “Soft” before Group 3. Longines Sagaro Stakes (2.15) certainly made me smile.
I called at trainer Alan King’s Barbury Castle base last week and couldn’t have been happier with his eight-year-old, who faces just four rivals, including an old opponent. Coltrane in the two mile zone.
I am aware that Trueshan looked like he needed this run in the Listed Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham when he reappeared last year, so I am not losing sight of the fact that this is a starting point for big targets.
He left behind a few races below his form last summer to win the Doncaster Cup and the Group 1 Prix du Cadran after undergoing wind surgery, of course, and Alan has further tweaked his wind in a bid to get him in top shape for another exciting campaign.
Trueshan loves Ascot – the place brings out the best in him – and he has proven himself to be tactically versatile. He has nothing to worry about form-wise, so it would be great to start his season with a win.
Trueshan and Hollie Doyle should reunite this summer
Spencer Colt wants to strengthen Royal’s demands
Richard Spencer has his juveniles in good form with debutant The Man winning at Southwell on Monday to confirm his Royal Ascot credentials.
Wednesday stablemate SEX ON FIRE returns to the Two-year trial EBF condition issues (1.10) at Ascot in the hope of booking his own place at the royal meeting in June.
I won against him first time out at Southwell last month and it will be a good test of his progress with four previous winners against him.
The son of Dark Angel has to deal with the difficult conditions, but that comment also applies to his rivals, including Dominic Ffrench Davis’ Wolverhampton winner. Enchanting Empresswho impressed in a race in which I finished third.
JUICY Hoping for the best from lower weight
I’m riding for Richard Spencer again in the Naas Racecourse Handicap Division II (4.00) – a first start on grass for his little-raced 4-year-old JUICY .
She also took off in a maiden at Southwell in December with Jason Hart in the saddle and ran well in the next two starts. Coventry Stakes winner Rajasinghe is given the weight of all his rivals in this 5f sprint, so I’m expecting a daring spectacle.
I’ll be back on Thursday with my usual weekend blog, with my report from the Sagaro Stakes and a preview of the Guineas Festival at Newmarket.
Watch all the action from Royal Ascot Trials Day live on Sky Sports Racing.
