RACING:DUNCAN CAN be crowned the new king of the stayers in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot today. The two-and-a-half-mile heat is certainly the highlight of day three and for many aficionados, it is the pick of the entire week of action.
However, this year’s renewal has a slightly open look about it with plenty of question marks over the staying abilities of favourite Fame And Glory.
Admittedly Duncan has those same doubts about him, but connections must take plenty of heart from his recent Yorkshire Cup win.
The six-year-old was tackling a mile and three-quarters for the first time at York last month having posted some top-class effort over shorter distances, including a second behind Harbinger in the Hardwicke at this meeting last year.
William Buick set out to make all on the Knavesmire and while Duncan was a touch keen early on, he still had plenty in reserve to repel the challenge of Blue Bajan by half a length.
Buick had some trouble pulling him up after the line which would suggest there was still a bit in the locker, another factor which should cheer trainer John Gosden.
A quick glance through his pedigree also offers plenty of hope for him being competitive over this trip as his half-brother, Samuel, stayed two and a quarter miles, and Duncan’s sire Dalakhani certainly seems capable of getting runners with a bit of stamina.
Duncan could offer a touch of value in a race which is far from easy to read.
Banimpire makes a swift reappearance after winning at Cork last Sunday but her quick turnaround should not be a disadvantage in the Ribblesdale Stakes.
This 12-furlong heat has lost a bit of its gloss in recent years and this does not look to be the best field ever assembled.
Jim Bolger’s charge arrives at Ascot in sparkling form, though, having won four times already this year as well as finishing a creditable fifth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas over an inadequate mile.
Banimpire seems to be thriving on her racing and stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time in Group Three company just a few days ago, she showed her rivals a clean pair of heels to win by three lengths.
The Holy Roman Emperor filly stays at that trip here and while moving up a notch in quality, she is expected to put up a bold show.
Mickael Barzalona has struck up a good rapport with Laajooj and they can team up to great effect again in the Tercentenary Stakes. The Azamour colt won for the rider at Newbury in April but proved a bit disappointing when only fourth under Frankie Dettori when upped in class for the Dee Stakes.
He bounced back in style when reunited with Barzalona in a Listed heat at Newmarket, winning by nearly two lengths despite his rider dropping his whip some way out. This is a trappy heat, but Laajooj could be the answer.
Manchester United striker Michael Owen can visit the winner’s enclosure courtesy of Pyman’s Theory in the Norfolk Stakes. This filly showed some serious early speed to win the National Stakes at Sandown last time and might just be able to hold on here.
The Britannia Handicap has drawn its usual ultra-competitive field and Norse Blues is the selection following victory at Epsom last time. Model Liz Hurley is part of the syndicate that owns Census and she should be smiling after the King George V Stakes.
2.30 Pyman’s Theory
3.05 Banimpire
3.45 Duncan (nap)
4.25 Norse Blues
5.00 Laajooj
5.35 Census
