Betting: Sea Of Heaven can sail to victory in Ascot Stayers race
Shergar Cup day at Ascot is the ultimate jockey’s spectacle and it once again welcomes riding talent from around the World.
Japanese rider Kenichi Ikezoe takes the ride on SEA OF HEAVEN, who justified my support by landing a valuable handicap at Ascot a fortnight ago.
On Saturday, Sir Mark Prescott’s four-year-old is back for more glory at the Berkshire track and I think he can land the Shergar Cup Stayers (1.45pm).
The son of Sea The Stars has gone up 19lbs since his first career win exactly 12 months ago and, being trained by Sir Mark, is likely to continue improving.
This could be another stepping stone on the way to October’s Cesarewitch – a valuable prize that Prescott is desperate to get his hands on for the first time.
Notarised could be his biggest danger after a solid third at Goodwood last week.
Mark Johnston’s five-year-old is likely to be ridden prominently by Joe Fanning and will be a tough one to pass.
But he’s carrying top-weight and possible improvers lurk below. Stick with Sea Of Heaven at 7/2 with Betway.
DURETTO has been frustrating this season, but he had excuses at Epsom where he lost a shoe and he was held up too far back in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock last time.
I’m happy to give him another chance in the Shergar Cup Challenge (2.20pm) as he absolutely loves this track.
Andrew Balding’s four-year-old has won two of his three races at Ascot and was second in the other behind the useful King Bolete.
Balding’s yard remain in good nick and he should prove hard to beat with Emma Jayne Wilson on board. The Canadian helped propel the Girls team to a first ever victory in 2015.
Pointers
Sea Of Heaven 1.45pm Ascot
Duretto 2.20pm Ascot