Royal Ascot On Sky Sports Racing Handicap

Off time: 16:50 | Winning time: 1m 10.25s

(5)

Gherkin^b⁵⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: D C Costello| T: W S Kittow| OR: 58| CD

9/2

C&D winner. Below form third of 10 in handicap at Kempton (6f, 5/1) 55 days ago. Blinkers back on and, now 1 lb lower, he should make his presence felt.

Form: 35639-3

(3)

De Vegas Kid¹³⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 9-12| J: Mollie Phillips⁽³⁾| T: A W Carroll| OR: 58| C| D

15/2

Five-time course winner. 11/4, creditable second of 5 in handicap at Wolverhampton (8.6f). Off 134 days and now significantly down in trip. Chance if rediscovering old form.

Form: 647-542

(4)

I'm Mable¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: Paddy Bradley⁽³⁾| T: M J Attwater| OR: 57

13/2

Eleven runs since last win in 2022. 10/3, good second of 7 in handicap at this course (5.3f, good to firm) 14 days ago, nearest finish. Expected to be bang there.

Form: 856542

(6)

Big Time Maybe¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-10| J: Josephine Gordon| T: P S McEntee| OR: 56| C| D

9/1

Four-time course winner, the latest in May. Creditable third of 7 in handicap back here (5.3f, good to firm, 4/1) 14 days ago and another bold show anticipated.

Form: 370113

(1)

Red Alert^p³

Age: 9| Weight: 9-7| J: William Carson| T: A W Carroll| OR: 53| CD

15/8

C&D winner. Fourteen runs since last win in 2022. Good third of 10 in handicap at Chepstow (6.1f, good to firm, 9/1) 3 days ago, never nearer. Looks vulnerable.

Form: 557903

(2)

Ceilidh^b¹¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: N Callan| T: George Baker| OR: 52

10/3

Lightly-raced maiden. Very good third of 8 in handicap (11/1) at Carlisle (5.8f, good to soft) 11 days ago. First run for yard after leaving Hughie Morrison and he needs considering.

Form: 580-53

Forecasts

Red Alert (15/8), Ceilidh (10/3), Gherkin (9/2), I'm Mable (13/2), De Vegas Kid (15/2), Big Time Maybe (9/1)

The vote goes to I'M MABLE, who wasn't beaten at all far when fourth to Big Time Maybe over 5.3f here last month, and she subsequently reversed the placings with that rival when going close back at this course a fortnight ago. This slight step back up in trip should work in her favour and she is taken to again get the better of Big Time Maybe. The 3-y-o Ceilidh posted his best effort yet when third over this trip at Carlisle and he also has claims on debut for his new yard.