King’s can prove best in dash for Wokingham glory

Jun 21 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

WILLIE HAGGAS’S stable is in fine form and he can land a third Royal Ascot winner this week with King’s Apostle in a typically competitive Wokingham Handicap (4.25pm) on the last day of the meeting this afternoon.

The four-year-old progressed with every run last season, scoring five times in eight starts. Three of those successes came under his partner today, Liverpool-born rider Liam Jones.

The King’s Best colt made a pleasing return when a close up fifth at Newmarket early last month. Many of his rivals that day had had the benefit of the run and he will certainly strip fitter now.

He has a fine finishing kick and stayed on well last time. He has decent chance of making the frame in the 6f cavalry charge at least.

In the Golden Jubilee Stakes (3.50pm), Aidan O’Brien can add another Group One winner to a wonderful week for the Ballydoyle stable with US Ranger.

He was a shade unlucky when fourth to Assertive in the Duke of York Stakes on the Knavesmire last month. He raced on the wrong side, but still managed to get to within almost a length of the winner.

He had Classic pretensions when trained in France last year, finishing seventh in the 2,000 Guineas behind Cockney Rebel, before being runner-up to Tariq in the Jersey Stakes at this meeting. But sprinting looks to be his forte and he can prove it today.

Sir Michael Stoute’s Maraahel bids for a hat-trick of successes in the Hardwick Stakes (3.05pm). But he could be denied in his treble by stable-mate Spanish Moon.

Having only had three runs to date, he is an unexposed sort open to plenty of improvement. And having won a Listed event over course and distance, he looks to sure to go close.

Free Agent can give the Queen a Royal winner in the opening Chesham Stakes (2.30pm).

Richard Hannon’s once-raced filly couldn’t have been more impressive on her debut when landing a Leicester maiden by five lengths.

The step up to seven furlongs is sure to bring out more improvement and she can emulate another daughter of Dr Fong, Maze, who won the juvenile Listed contest last year.

Others to note are Ezdiyaad in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (5pm) and last year’s winner Enjoy The Moment in the Queen Alexandra Stakes (5.35pm).

ROYAL ASCOT PREDICTIONS (Day Five):

2.30pm Free Agent

3.05pm (Hardwicke Stakes) Spanish Moon

3.45pm (Golden Jubilee Stakes) US Ranger

4.25pm (Wokingham Stakes) King’s Apostle (NAP)

5pm Ezdiyaad (if absent Proponent)

5.35pm Enjoy The Moment

TOMORROW’S NAP: Kaateb (3.10pm Pontefract)