18:10 Royal Ascot

Tuesday 20 June 2023

All14:3015:0515:4016:2017:0017:3518:10

Copper Horse Handicap

Off time: 18:13 | Winning time: 3m 5.28s

(9)

Get Shirty^t¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 9-12| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 105| CD

40/1

Had an excellent 2022, winning this corresponding event and Old Newton Cup at Haydock prior to an excellent fifth in the Ebor Handicap at York. Hasn't fired last 3 starts, though, including back in handicap company last time. Tongue strap back on.

Form: 823069

(4)

Sam Cooke³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: Rob Hornby| T: R M Beckett| OR: 104| D

22/1

Consistent sort who ended last season with wins at Newmarket and Newbury, and found further improvement after 8 months off when runner-up at York (11.8f) 34 days ago, having to pick way through. That form hasn't really worked out but he can't be dismissed from only 2 lb higher.

Form: 76411-2

(3)

Cemhaan^t²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-11| J: P Cosgrave| T: George Baker| OR: 104| D

66/1

Three-time winner last season who produced a career best with his reappearance under his belt when winning 9-runner handicap at Kempton (12f) 27 days ago, albeit seen to maximum effect. Likely to find life much tougher from a 9 lb higher mark.

Form: 7910-01

(16)

Point King³²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: James McDonald| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 104| D

8/1

Progressive 3-y-o who completed a hat-trick in Leopardstown listed event in August. Shaped as if amiss on final outing in 2022 but got back on the up when denied only on the nod in Group 3 on reappearance. Into handicaps now and may do better still.

Form: 5/1119-2

(15)

More Felons^t⁶⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-11| J: David Egan| T: M F Harris| OR: 104

40/1

Useful juvenile hurdler who produced a performance verging on smart when landing a Wolverhampton handicap (12.2f) on his final outing in this sphere in December. Only 2 lb higher and could still have more to offer given his low-mileage profile.

Form: 615/51-

(6)

Aaddeey^t⁵²

Age: 6| Weight: 9-10| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A Watson| OR: 103

33/1

Dual winner for the Crisfords in 2021. Made it to the track only twice last season but made a successful return after 11 months off (had breathing op) in 6-runner handicap at Ripon (12f, heavy) 52 days ago. Had the run of the race there and encounters much firmer conditions here.

Form: 741/67-1

(7)

Vauban^t⁵³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: R L Moore| T: W P Mullins| OR: 101

1/1

Showed useful form when last seen on Flat in 2021, winning twice from 4 starts, including listed race at Vichy. High-class hurdler, successful in Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2021/22 and back to best when second in Punchestown Champion Hurdle last time. Very interesting back on the Flat.

Form: 4411/

(10)

Absurde³⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: L Dettori| T: W P Mullins| OR: 101

5/1

Smart on the Flat (stays 1¼m) for C. Laffon-Parias and made a successful debut over hurdles after 11 months in 7-runner minor event at Killarney (20f) 36 days ago. Looks on a good mark back in this code on the pick of his form in France and needs taking seriously with Dettori up.

Form: 22/3127-

(5)

Alright Sunshine^v²¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 9-8| J: Billy Garritty| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 101| D

100/1

Finished a respectable fourth in this race 12 months ago prior to resuming winning ways at Ripon. Not disgraced on final 2 outings but looks vulnerable to less-exposed types on this return to action.

Form: 340165-

(19)

Raymond Tusk⁴⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 9-8| J: Rossa Ryan| T: A King| OR: 101

40/1

Useful performer who got back on track after 4 months off when third in 11-runner handicap at Newmarket (12f) 45 days ago, nearest finish. This is tougher.

Form: 7004-73

(8)

Gaassee^t³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 101

25/1

Got up a 4-timer in 1½m handicap at the Dante meeting last season before a fine third in the Old Newton Cup. Well-beaten favourite in the Ebor on final 2022 start and fared no better in Newbury Group 3 on reappearance. Bit to prove at present.

Form: 11/130-7

(11)

Berkshire Rocco^p⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 99| BF| CD

25/1

Useful sort who scored at Southwell in January. Not disgraced subsequently without looking the force of old. Others preferred from a win point of view.

Form: 74-1250

(18)

Postileo⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: James Doyle| T: R Varian| OR: 98| D

14/1

Lightly-raced 6-y-o who proved he retains all his ability after 19 months off (gelded) when winning 10-runner handicap at Hamilton (13.1f, good) 44 days ago, well on top finish. Step back up in trip will suit and may have more to offer.

Form: 22471/1

(12)

Ruling Dynasty¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 97

6/1

Promising individual who made it 2-3 in thrashing some promising 3-y-os after a further 8 months off in 11.6f novice at Haydock 11 days ago, quickening clear over 1f out. Open to further improvement.

Form: 21-1

(13)

Chillingham^h⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: E Bethell| OR: 97

11/1

Progressed further to make it 3 wins from his last 4 starts after 9 months off in 11-runner handicap at Thirsk (12f, heavy) 59 days ago, leading on bridle 3f out (eased close home). This is tougher but appeals as the sort to go on improving and shouldn't be overlooked.

Form: 5131-1

(14)

Charging Thunder^p,t1¹²³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Jason Watson| T: D O'Meara| OR: 97| D

80/1

Won 3 times in 2022 but not for the first time proved too free when ninth of 14 in Meydan Group 3 (14f, good) in February. Tongue strap on for 1st time.

Form: 02-7559

Forecasts

Vauban (1/1), Absurde (5/1), Ruling Dynasty (6/1), Point King (8/1), Chillingham (11/1), Postileo (14/1), Sam Cooke (22/1), Berkshire Rocco (25/1), Gaassee (25/1), Aaddeey (33/1), More Felons (40/1), Get Shirty (40/1), Raymond Tusk (40/1), Cemhaan (66/1), Charging Thunder (80/1), Alright Sunshine (100/1)

VAUBAN looks on a very handy mark returning to this sphere judged on his high-class hurdles form, so his claims are crystal clear. His stablemate Absurde is a bit more exposed but warrants respect on the pick of his French form and has the assistance of Frankie Dettori, while Ruling Dynasty and Postileo are others to bear in mind in an intriguing race.