Chance Poet and Bill to rise to Ascot challenge
THERE is a feast of top-class racing this weekend in the UK and across the channel, with Sunday bringing the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from Longchamp.
On home soil, Saturday also brings Group One action with the Sun Chariot Stakes (1.35pm) from Newmarket, which looks to be at the mercy of favourite Blue Bolt.
However, the best of Saturday’s betting action comes from Ascot where the BetMGM Challenge Cup Handicap (3.35pm) stands out.
Punters are likely to pile into favourite Thunder Call, and his claims are there for all to see after improving markedly for the step up to seven furlongs at Ascot last time out.
The unseasonally quick ground will play to his strengths, but he has taken a nine-pound rise in the weights for his last win and, in a competitive contest, I’d rather play two at monster prices against him.
Karl Burke’s POET MASTER looks to have it all to do on paper, but he is a horse that has plummeted in the handicap this season.
He ended last campaign with a good second in Group Two company at Newmarket when rated 113 and has now dropped to 105.
In five starts this season, he hasn’t performed badly, beginning with a close second on reappearance at Thirsk and not finishing far behind Ten Bob Tony in a Group Three at Epsom on Derby Day.
His last three starts have all been in Group races and the last time he lined up in handicap company, he was a ready winner off a mark of 100 in the spring of 2024.
Off five pounds higher, I can see this big field and likely fast pace suiting him, and if he can relax in the early stages, he could run a big race.
He’s a fine each-way bet at 33/1.
The other I’d be keen to keep onside here is HAWKSBILL, who has some really strong fast ground form to his name.
Richard Spencer’s four-year-old wasn’t beaten far in the Golden Mile at Goodwood, which is typically one of the strongest handicaps of the season, and has run well at York and Ayr since.
This drop back to seven furlongs should suit him and, if given a strong pace to aim at, he’s another who can outrun odds of 33/1.
Earlier on Ascot’s card, the Listed Rous Stakes (1.50pm) looks to present another opportunity for a wager.
Favourite Tuco Salamanca could be hard to beat after just being touched off in the Ayr Gold Cup two weeks ago, but that was a tough race on heavy ground and this might come a bit too soon for him.
With that in mind, I’d be wary about taking a short price about him on ground that will be very different, and instead AIR FORCE ONE could be worth an each-way play at 12/1.
He keeps improving, having defied a mark of 98 to win the Portland Handicap at Doncaster last time out, and is worth a first go in Listed company.
Quick ground suits him, and I wouldn’t rule out another excellent effort under regular rider P J McDonald.
Keep an eye on Regional, who looks a big price for a horse of his ability, and if he lines up, he’ll be of interest too.
The Group Three Bengough Stakes (3.00pm) could be at the mercy of DIVISION, who has been mixing it in Group One company for much of this season.
A price of 3/1 looks good value against this level of opposition, and I can see him taking the world of beating.
POINTERS SATURDAY
Air Force One e/w 1.50pm Ascot
Division 3.00pm Ascot
Poet Master e/w 3.35pm Ascot
Hawksbill e/w 3.35pm Ascot