Ascot Hospitality Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 3m 2.80s

(6)

Anniversary^b⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: Rhys Clutterbuck| T: R M Beckett| OR: 88

20/1

Turned in best effort of the season when second of 9 in 1¾m handicap at Salisbury in May. However, didn't see things out as well back at 2m at Thirsk on most recent outing and there's a feeling creeping in that he just isn't the heartiest.

Form: 5-55527

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(1)

Fireblade¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 88| C

15/2

Developed into a useful stayer last year (successful over 2m at Ascot) and respectable efforts both starts back this season, latterly when fourth of 7 in Windsor handicap. Step back up in trip will suit and can't be dismissed from a 2 lb lower mark.

Form: 1930-44

(2)

Divine Knight²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: Cieren Fallon| T: W J Haggas| OR: 84| BF

7/4

Scored on his debut at Thirsk (1m) and mainly on the up in handicaps for Sean Woods after. Changed hands for 65,000 gns and stepped up on his first run for the yard when third of 12 in 13f handicap at Ayr 3 weeks ago, albeit well positioned. Should remain competitive.

Form: 7240-63

(5)

Artisan Dancer¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-12| J: Oliver Stammers| T: C Johnston| OR: 84| D

40/1

Back on scoreboard at Southwell (2m) in March but more miss than hit since, making it 3 poor efforts from his last 4 outings at Newcastle 2 weeks ago. Has work to do.

Form: 160400

(3)

Galilean Quality²³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: S H James| T: K R Burke| OR: 87

13/8

Has the odd quirk but he's essentially progressive and posted quite a useful effort to win 1½m Wolverhampton handicap in May, taking his career record to 3-6. Backed that effort up in a stronger race at the Royal meeting here subsequently and has to be taken seriously against his elders.

Form: 41-1316

(4)

King Of Berkshire²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: David Probert| T: A M Balding| OR: 80| BF

9/2

Has made a promising start in handicaps, scoring at Redcar in April before doubling his tally in 6-runner event at Thirsk (1½m, good), looking a straightforward sort. Found a 6-lb penalty anchoring him at Sandown last time but could resume his progress now taking on his elders for the first time.

Form: 421313

Forecasts

Galilean Quality (13/8), Divine Knight (7/4), King Of Berkshire (9/2), Fireblade (15/2), Anniversary (20/1), Artisan Dancer (40/1)

GALILEAN QUALITY and King of Berkshire are a pair of progressive 3-y-os who make most appeal at the bottom of the weights. The former ran well in a strong-looking handicap at the Royal meeting last month and is taken to resume winning ways now taking on his elders for the first time in a much less competitive affair. Fireblade will be suited by the return to further and shouldn’t be taken lightly, either.