ASCOT VICTORIA CUP

Moving on from the Classics, we now try a tricky handicap.

ASCOT 3.50: 7f Class 2 Victoria Cup h'cap
in (current) betting order;

CAPE CLASSIC is now current favourite and does have a very good chance on ratings. However, as with most of the 'fancied' horses, he is drawn high. The downside is that most of the pace horses are drawn low, which is thought to be the favoured side. Contrasting that, at the time of writing they are confirming it is still good to firm, where the high numbers have a slight edge. Confused? Well I shall amend this when I see course report after this morning's inspection to see what affect the overnight rain has had.
Cape Classic is one of a few that has show high level form on fast ground, and has had a run, on soft, so is likely to turn the form around with others in that race.

LIGHTNING CLOUD is one that prefers softer, so his opening run on faster going only shows his well being. Was very good two seasons ago, and has a chance if it has softened up at all.

HAAF A SIXPENCE ran an excellent race at Newbury, but has yet to show top form on fast going. Certainly on ratings has a good chance.

BERTIEWHITTLE is yet another drawn high, and is a hold up horse. All four named need something to take them into the race? Whilst he has a very good record over Ascot 7f, and I can see him coming on strong at the finish, I don't see him winning it. He does not win first time out, although runs well, and he is very high in the weights. Off this mark he will have to be better than ever?

JAMESIE is another I do not rate good enough to win, although as an Irish raider you can never be that sure? On form, a second on the AW at Dundalk, and better form on soft, it is a big ask.

TARTIFLETTE won the race with several rivals here behind him. No doubt he is a high class horse who rarely runs a bad race. He is also drawn low. Against him is the potential for it remaining fast going. He is high enough in the weights to make me think he will need to improve on his last run, but not without hope.

DREAM TUNE is the last of the group at the top of betting order and deserve a mention. Also drawn low, and will be up with the pace on the far side and may just get first run over there. 3rd behind Haaf A Sixpence which is solid form, and although tried at distances either side of 7f, this is his best trip. Good chance if that is the side to be on?

Going Update: No change - remains Good to Firm, no bias.
Arnold Lane, Bertiewhittle, and Bronze Prince likely to be up the front end high side. Glen Moss down the middle, and Fast Finian and others on the far side, it may even itself out?

Of others who deserve a mention:
ARNOLD LANE is top weight for a reason, and is in great form.
Excellent Guest and Smarty Socks both do well at Ascot, but may need a run or two to get to this level?

No conclusions, I leave it to yourselves to take the information provided, and see if it confirms your own view?

Have a good day ...