Rye House can be another for Stoute in Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap

Sir Michael Stoute’s stable has already struck twice this week with Estimate in the Gold Cup and Hillstar yesterday. He has a great chance here with Rye House who produced a career-best effort to win at York’s Dante meeting.

The son of Dansili has been slow to reach his peak but could not have been more impressive when striding home three and a quarter lengths clear. Rye House has been raised 9lbs for his York victory but has a progressive profile and the handicapper may not have caught up with him yet.

Sir Michael also runs Opinion who ran a sound race when third to No Heretic at Newmarket and certainly has a squeak on that evidence. He had Roger Charlton’s Silver Lime behind him that day and is weighted to confirm the form.

Lahaag was a major gamble for the Lincoln Handicap over a mile at the start of the season but he met with interference early on and made no show. He was stepped up to a mile and a quarter for his next start and put up a much-improved performance.

He moved through stylishly under Paul Hanagan but was just collared by First Mohican going under by a quarter of a length. As the first two drew five lengths clear, the handicapper has raised him 5lbs for finishing second but the extra two furlongs could bring about further improvement.

There has been significant market support for Caravan Rolls On after his eye-catching run in fourth behind Tiger Cliff. The form has been boosted since and both the winner and the third were placed here earlier in the week.

Ustura just got up to win at Windsor whilst Stencive is another with each-way claims. He finished lame last time out but had previously finished a promising second here behind Ahzeemah.

Hammerfest is on a recovery mission having finished second here last season. He looked set to land a gamble until caught by Camborne late on. He is on a 5lbs higher mark and now runs in the colours of Qatar Racing. He booked his Ascot ticket with a game win two weeks ago and travels over from France with every chance.

Blue Surf is another one with claims after running a nice race in fourth at the Epsom Derby meeting. Amanda Harwood’s gelding was well backed that day and could improve for the run.