Trueshan makes his season debut at Ascot on Wednesday in suitable ground conditions, live on Sky Sports Racing, while Sex On Fire returns in the two-year test
Ideal conditions for Trueshan’s return
The heavy rain that fell over Berkshire at the weekend was almost as promised for my lasting star TRUESHANwho makes his eagerly awaited seasonal comeback at Ascot on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
It is well documented that it prefers some ground clearance, hence the “soft” description before Group 3 Longines Sagaro Stakes (2.15) definitely put a smile on my face.
I stopped by trainer Alan King’s Barbury Castle base last week and couldn’t have been happier with his eight-year-old taking on just four rivals, including the old foe Coltrane in the two-mile feature.
I’m aware that Trueshan seemed to need this run in the Listed Further Flight Stakes at Nottingham when he appeared again last year, so I don’t lose sight of the fact that this is a starting point for some big goals.
Last summer he left a few runs below his form to win the Doncaster Cup and the Group 1 Prix du Cadran, of course after undergoing winch surgery, and Alan has tweaked his wind again with the goal in mind to get him in top shape for another exciting campaign.
Trueshan loves Ascot – the venue brings out the best in him – and he has proven he is tactically versatile. From a form perspective he has nothing to fear, so it would be great to start his season with a win.
Spencer Colt wants to strengthen royal claims
Richard Spencer is in good form with his young players: debutant The Man won at Southwell on Monday and confirmed his qualification for Royal Ascot.
Stable companion on Wednesday SEX ON FIRE returns to the Two-year test EBF condition deployments (1.10) at Ascot in the hope of booking his own place at the Royal Meeting in June.
I won against him the first time out at Southwell last month and this will be a good test of his progress with four previous winners lining up against him.
Dark Angel’s son will have to cope with the testing conditions, but that comment also applies to his rivals, including Wolverhampton winner Dominic Ffrench Davis Charming Empresswho impressed in a race where I came third.
JUICY I’m hoping for the best from being underweight
I’m driving for Richard Spencer again Naas Racecourse Handicap Division II (4.00) – a first start on grass for his moderately ridden four-year-old JUICY .
She also made good progress in a first race at Southwell in December with Jason Hart in the saddle and ran well in both subsequent starts. Coventry Stakes winner Rajasinghe gets weight from all her rivals in this 5f sprint so I’m expecting a gutsy performance.
I’ll be back on Thursday with my regular weekend blog, with my debrief on the Sagaro Stakes and a look ahead to the Guineas Festival in Newmarket.
Follow all the action from Royal Ascot Trials Day live on Sky Sports Racing.