Dark Crusader set to star as Ascot kicks off busy racing weekend
Published:It’s quality all the way this weekend as racing fans look forward to Sunday’s Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe. The action starts at Ascot on Friday with a good quality six race card featuring the Noel Murless Stakes at 3.40.
There are two leading contenders from Ireland with Dabadiyan and Dark Crusader both crossing the water in the hope of lifting this Listed prize. One-time Derby hope Greatwood leads the home defence and indicated that he was on his way back with a good second at Doncaster last month.
Dark Crusader came from well off the pace to land the valuable Melrose Stakes at York’s Ebor meeting and is seeking a four-timer. He was the last horse off the bridle that day and will appreciate any further rain on the Berkshire track.
The Wear It Pink Handicap at 3.05 sees the return to action of John Gosden’s Blessington after a lengthy absence. He was a good winner of a maiden race at Goodwood on his second start and could go well off bottom weight in a typically competitive Ascot sprint.
Hoodna sprang a 25-1 surprise at Kempton last time out and won’t be allowed to go off at anything like that price here whilst Breton Rock drops back a furlong after scoring at Doncaster. Ninjago has been on the go all season but deserves to pick up a decent prize and has the assistance of Ryan Moore in the saddle.
Roger Varian has his stable in fine form and he will be hoping that Perfect Heart can lose his maiden tag in the Gordon Carter Handicap at 4.15. Oisin Murphy teams up with the lightly-weighted Kempton winner Ballinderry Boy and the combination could be difficult to beat.
It does not get any easier for punters in the last race with a good quality field turning out for the seven-furlong Troy Asset Management Handicap. Brownsea Brink and Trucanini are both seeking a fourth consecutive win with preference just for the former in a wide open contest.
Selections: 2.00 Footstepsintherain, 2.30 Modern Tutor, 3.05 Blessington, 3.40 Dark Crusader (NAP), 4.15 Ballinderry Boy, 4.50 Brownsea Brink (nb)
