Mr Lupton 7/2
The opener is the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award Rous Stakes. This Listed race over the minimum distance of 5f looks a good opportunity for MR LUPTON to defy a penalty and follow up his Group 3 victory at Newbury in September.
The Richard Fahy trained five-year-old was mightily impressive that day and whilst the horse can chuck in the odd poor run, a repeat of that performance will see him win again.
Perfection 3/1
We then head to HQ for race two; for the British EBF Breeders’ Fillies’ Series Sprint Handicap Stakes, and PERFECTION can bid to give messes’ Dettori and Gosden a great start ahead of what could be a memorable weekend for the duo, with the Arc looming on Sunday.
She won easily at Yarmouth a fortnight ago in an easier contest, and now takes a big step back up in class against some very experience rivals. Fille De Reve is bidding for the hat trick, but this filly owned by Cheveley Park has a valuable course win to her name which may prove the difference.
First Eleven 11/8
Next up is the Stella Artois Cumberland Lodge Stakes. This looks somewhat a penalty kick for John Gosden's three-year-old FIRST ELEVEN.
Whilst his previous performance in Group company left something to be desired, his performance in a high grade handicap over C&D last time out shows he absolutely belongs at this level and possibly beyond it.
Vintage Brut 11/2
The next race is the Racing UK Two Year Old Trophy and is Listed Class. VINTAGE BRUT looks will treated off a mark of 101 when taking into account his last run.
That day he went down by a neck at this level. Whilst he hasn't won since his solo victory in a Listed race at Sandown in May (running off 101) he is a likeable sort and get his head in front once again.
Limato
Should he take his place, LIMATO should prove relentless in this John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (Group 3).
Connections of this Group 1 winning sprinter have finally come to the conclusion that he is not a miler, and since dropping him back to six-furlongs, he is two from two.
Holds an entry in the sprint final here on Champions Day in a fortnights time, and be interesting to see how he performs back at group level over a distance he relishes. Needs good ground.
Laurens
The feature race on ITV on Saturday is the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes and LAURENS who shocked all turning over Alpha Centauri in the Matron Stakes in Ireland last time out, and prove once more why she is one of the best 3yo fillies around.
She disappointed the start before at York in the Yorkshire Oaks, but there was no shame going down in defeat to the impressive Sea of Class, who takes her place in the Arc in France on Sunday.
She also finished second in the 1000 Guineas on her first start this year. She is very tough, and will be hard to beat.
Cape Byron 11/2
It is back into handicap company for the Class 2 Bet With Ascot Challenge Cup.
It looks open but Roger Varian's CAPE BYRON is preferred in this 18 runner field. The horse has solid recent form finishing second in handicaps of this class in his last two outings.
The four-year-old out of Shamardal also has course form and should be a tough nut to crack.
