Inis Mor is the each-way selection for the Qatar Racing British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot, with the suggestion to have 1pt each-way at 22-1. Several bookmakers are paying out on four places.
Inis Mor ready for Ascot test
Kalpana will attract the attention as she seeks a hat-trick of victories in this Group 1, but Inis Mor might cause a surprise. She beat the subsequent Ribblesdale Stakes heroine in a Goodwood Listed race before hitting the frame in both the French and Irish Oaks.
Those efforts came when her trainer David Menuisier was enduring a wretched summer, but he has his team in much better form now. Inis Mor’s second behind Coedana in Newmarket’s Group 3 Princess Royal Stakes three weeks ago should have set her up for this Champions Day prize.
Daiquiri Bay and Prince of India selections
Alan King trained Trueshan to win the Long Distance Cup on three consecutive occasions, and he has another smart staying prospect in Ebor winner Daiquiri Bay (1.30). There was a lot to like about the way he stayed on to land that prestigious York handicap, and the step up to 2m for the first time can only help. He will need a clear personal-best performance to be competitive, but that is entirely possible. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1.
Prince of India (2.05) looks underestimated in the Sprint. He found trouble in the July Cup at Newmarket and was still only beaten two-and-a-half lengths. His all-the-way Listed victory at Newmarket in August showed tactical versatility, and he was only nailed close home by Hidden Force in the Group 3 Bengough Stakes over today’s course and distance two weeks ago. There is plenty of early pace around where he is drawn in stall six. Have 1pt each-way at 18-1, with plenty of firms offering four places.
Ebt's Guard in Balmoral Handicap
Ebt’s Guard (4.35) has a decent Ascot record and must have a good chance in the Balmoral Handicap. He was only beaten a neck when runner-up in this race 12 months ago despite an unhelpful draw, and his fourth in this year’s Royal Hunt Cup was another cracking effort over today’s track and trip.
Last month’s third behind Scoville at Doncaster also reads well, and he could turn that form around back at his favourite venue. Have 1pt each-way at 11-1, with most bookies going five places.
