The Scout has revealed his top selections for Qatar Racing British Champions Day at Ascot, with Zeus Olympios fancied in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Almeraq tipped in the Sprint Stakes.
Zeus Olympios for QEII Stakes
Zeus Olympios (3.20) is expected to rise to the occasion in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, the second most valuable race of the seven-race card, worth £1.1 million. Karl Burke's trainee is priced at 12-1 with William Hill.
The horse finished fourth in the Queen Anne Stakes at the Royal Meeting in June, when Ten Bob Tony and More Thunder finished ahead. Under pressure early off strong fractions set by Opera Ballo, Zeus Olympios found the pace too quick on good to firm ground but was closing on the leaders near home.
He was ridden more forward when winning the Group Two Summer Mile over course and distance on his next start, then improved under similar tactics in the Prix Jacques Le Marois Stakes at Deauville. Switched across the track after two furlongs by Clifford Lee, Zeus Olympios quickened when Precise appeared on his outside, with the pair battling until Rayif emerged as the latest challenger.
Almeraq and Scoville Selections
Burke nominated the QEII immediately after that run, and the trainer wanted his miler to be quicker from the stalls. If that happens, Zeus Olympios looks the most likely to chase Ballydoyle pacesetter Hawk Mountain. Most of the 11-runner field prefer patient handling, but Zeus Olympios could finish strongly as he continues to progress physically.
Sixteen horses declared for the Qatar Racing British Champions Sprint Stakes might see bookmakers trim ALMERAQ's (2.05) price from near evens closer to the off. Drawn in the middle, he aims to back up his success in Haydock's Betfair Sprint Cup last month. The ground was soft that day, but the key factor appears to be his recovery from a heavy fall last season rather than conditions. He also won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at this course on good ground.
Trainer William Haggas saddles SCOVILLE (4.35) in the Balmoral Handicap, a race known for shock results. The four-year-old is 5-1 at the time of writing, which The Scout considers good value, coming from the same stall 23 as winning stablemate Crown Of Oaks did a year ago. Scoville showed a strong finishing kick to win a Class Two handicap at Doncaster's St Leger meeting, with Moonfall (second) and Mezcala (sixth) advertising the form in the BetMGM Challenge Cup.
Despite looking the winner from some way out at Doncaster, Scoville has only risen 4lb. Haggas has found the key after wind surgery and four breaks in his training regime, making him The Scout's best bet on the card.
Friday and Saturday Tips
At Uttoxeter on Friday, BACK IT UP (2.02) is interesting in the Insurance Connections Best Bet Handicap Chase, having had runs over smaller obstacles and now getting a stamina test. James Owen's horses are in good form, as are Roger Varian's, with ASHEYRA (4.02) looking strong for Haydock's testing ground over six furlongs, having a second to Group Two winner Pensando A Te.
