Quotes and analysis for a Challenge Cup full of old favourites

tote.co.uk Challenge Cup | 7f | 3yo+ | ITV/SKY

With just two weeks to go to Champions Day at Ascot, the straight course is usually at its narrowest configuration at this meeting in order to preserve the best ground for the big day.

That seems to have had an effect on the draw in this seven-furlong handicap in recent years.

Six of the last ten winners have come from double-figure stalls and three of the last four came from very high draws. Librisa Breeze was in 16 when winning in 2016 and the last two winners, Raising Sand and Kynren, were both drawn 17.

The majority of the placed horses in those three contests were in double-figures too and all three races were run on soft ground.

Four of the last ten winners had competed in the Ayr Gold Cup and Kynren did best of those who contested that race this year. He finished fifth behind Nahaarr but his draw could be a problem. He comes from stall three. Wise Counsel was eighth at Ayr but similar comments apply to him because he is drawn next door to Kynren in four, both runners on the far side.

If you’re looking for the one to take from the Ayr contest, Young Fire could be the answer.

David O'Meara: his runner likes soft ground and is drawn wellCredit: Louise Pollard

The David O’Meara-trained gelding was beaten only four lengths behind Nahaarr in tenth and can be considered better than the bare form given he dwelt and lost ground at the start.

All three of his turf wins have come over seven furlongs on soft ground and he is drawn 15.

Improving three-year-old River Nymph (drawn 12) looks likely to head the market and he proved he handles soft going when winning at Newbury last time. That was his first run on testing going and he recorded a big career-high RPR. He is running off 11lb higher, though.

Raising Sand has a double-figure stall in 11, loves soft ground, and has his first run in more than two years under someone other than Nicola Currie, who has ridden on his last nine runs.

Saffie Osborne takes over in the saddle claiming 7lb and is well worth her allowance. She is riding well too, having partnered five winners from just 14 runners in the last fortnight.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Henry Candy, trainer of Greenside
He’ll definitely have his ground – the softer the better for him. He went away for a summer holiday and hasn’t been back very long, so I have a slight doubt about his fitness.

George Margarson, trainer of Ropey Guest
We’ll find out if he’s well handicapped. The form of his Chelmsford win has worked out well, and we know he’s good in big fields at Ascot – he finished sixth in the Coventry last year. I’m happy with his draw, soft ground will be to his liking – he was only touched off in the Horris Hill on heavy – and goes there with a massive chance.

Roger Charlton, trainer of Blue Mist
He’s in good form and runs well on that track. I’m not convinced being drawn low will be to his advantage, and I wouldn’t want the ground to be too soft.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of King Ottokar
I never thought I’d be dropping him back to seven furlongs, but he shows so much speed. He loves Ascot – the more rain the better for him – and I think he has a solid chance.

Clive Cox, trainer of River Nymph and Wise Counsel
River Nymph is a course-and-distance winner who has performed very favourably on easy ground. He should run well in spite of his rise in the handicap. Wise Counsel ran well at Ayr without getting a lot of room. The step back up to seven furlongs should be helpful.

Roger Fell, trainer of Admirality
He’s as well as he’s ever been and we’re going down there with a real chance.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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