Long Distance Cup second Torcedor features in Ascot declarations
The first Flat card of the season at Ascot on Wednesday features a pair of Group 3 races - the Sagaro Stakes and the Pavilion Stakes - with Champions Day runner-up Torcedor the star attraction.
JESSICA HARRINGTON’S Torcedor is the standout name in a field of six declared for the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot on Wednesday.
Harrington’s Irish raider finished second to Order Of St George in the Long Distance Cup at the Berkshire course on Champions Day and makes the trip off the back of a well below-par run in the Dubai Gold Cup.
David Elsworth’s Doncaster Cup winner Desert Skyline has to concede weight all round on his seasonal return, while Peter Niven’s Clever Cookie, Andrew Balding’s Montaly, the Brian Meehan-trained Raheen House and Mark Johnston’s Time To Study complete the line-up.
Another Group 3 on the card, the Merriebelle Stable Pavillion Stakes, has seen eight three-year-olds declared.
Last year’s contest saw Blue Point hold off the challenge of Harry Angel in a often race seen as a stepping stone to the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
This year, James Tate’s Invincible Army, Charlie Appleby’s Sound And Silence and Declan Carroll’s Abel Handy arrive carrying decent claims.
Templegate's treble
NAP 5.20 Southwell – Mimram: ‘This should be his optimum trip’
NEXT BEST 3.15 Wolverhampton – Tivoli: ‘Gosden has his string in fine form’
TREBLE 3.05 Salisbury – Miniature Daffodil: ‘Looks competitively handicapped’
Easter Classic winner Victory Bond, trained by William Haggas, returns to a grass surface in the Listed Celebrating The Commonwealth Paradise Stakes.
The five-year-old’s seven rivals include last year’s runner-up Hors De Combat and Simon Crisford’s Century Dream.