Nathaniel can strike with conditions to suit
THE King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday is the UK’s most prestigious open-age horserace and this year’s renewal is absolutely mouthwatering. Workforce has been the subject of significant support during the week due to the softening ground and he undoubtedly has the best form. However, he had a very hard race in the Coral Eclipse last time and disappointed on his only visit to Ascot in this contest 12 months ago. He will be very difficult to beat but just isn’t value at 6/4 with Star Sports.
St Nicholas Abbey has been a major drifter in the past few days and it’s not hard to see why as he needs to step up on the form he has shown so far and also isn’t certain to appreciate the conditions. Rewilding, the mount of Frankie Dettori, ran a screamer to run down So You Think in the Prince of Wales’s at the Royal meeting and he will relish the step up to 1m4f. He is a massive danger, but I prefer the chances of NATHANIEL each-way at 8/1 with Star Sports.
John Gosden’s three-year-old was a mightily impressive winner of the King George VII over course and distance and he absolutely loves getting his toe in. He gets a handy 12lb weight allowance and he will be hard to keep out of the first two.
Barry Dennis, Britain’s best known on-course bookmaker, has launched his exclusive telephone betting service, meaning that his customers can bet with him away from the racecourse and on sports other than racing. Punters can open an account or place a bet by calling 0800 124 4321 or visiting www.barrydennis.com.