The ground at Ascot will be very, very heavy and very hard work. I am at Lingfield for two rides this evening.
At Ascot itself, I’ve had a look at the cards and I think that Wonderful Tonight (9/2) would have a big chance in the Hardwicke. She was very impressive on bottomless ground on Champions Day last Autumn and unlike many in this field, will relish the soft ground.
I also thought that Hollie Doyle would have a great chance for similar reasoning. She won her first Group 1 on Glen Shiel (15/2) back in October at Ascot over Course and Distance, and I thought he made a very encouraging return recently. He should take a lot of beating. It would be brilliant for Hollie to ride a Group 1 winner on the Saturday of Royal Ascot.
Lingfield 8:20: Vitesse Du Son
Vitesse Du Son has won his last two starts for Stuart Kittow and looks to have a brilliant chance to land his hat-trick over course and distance. I rode him three starts back and he felt like he was coming to hand. We have a plum draw in 2 and we will hopefully be able to make a quick start and get a good position which is crucial around Lingfield.
Lingfield 8:50: Molly Mai
Molly Mai has returned to a winnable mark but needs to return to the form she was in before Christmas. She has been tried at most all-weather tracks but this will be her first start at Lingfield. 7-7 ½ furlongs is her optimum trip with all her wins to date coming over that distance. We have to give weight away to some younger horses which could prove tricky but they are horses that are yet to win. We have an each-way chance.
Stay safe,
Hayley!
*All odds correct at time of writing.