A field of 17 line up for today's Ascot Gold Cup, the largest in the 192 year history of the race, with Enzeli flying the flag for Ireland and the Aga Khan. Sendawar, on Tuesday, was the Aga's first British Group One winner since he ended his boycott of racing here in 1996, and based on an effortless success in Leopardstown's Saval Beg Stakes last month, Enzeli is not without a chance of adding to that.
That Saval Beg was a significant addition to last season's November Handicap, but despite having broken his maiden on firm ground, Enzeli is not guaranteed to appreciate fast ground. "I wouldn't want the ground too fast for Enzeli," trainer John Oxx has admitted, and unfortunately it looks like he won't be granted his wish. Then there is the trip. "We know Enzeli stays two miles but in this company the extra half mile is unknown territory," Oxx added.
The ground has forced Frankie Dettori to desert last year's winner, Kayf Tara, in favour of the St Leger victor, Nedawi, and while Dettori's judgement again proved wrong in Tuesday's opener, it's worth betting that this time he has got it right. Nedawi hasn't raced since March when runner-up to Fruits Of Love in Dubai and he also is unproven at the trip, but he has a touch of class and will relish fast ground. There are five other Irish runners today, and after Fasliyev's Coventry display, the Aidan O'Brien-trained two-year-old colts are difficult to ignore. Asanovo beat Yara in a three-horse race on the heavy at the Curragh in April, but being by Nureyev, he should be much more at home on these conditions in the Norfolk Stakes.
Bach, should also handle the ground and could hardly have been an easier winner on his debut at Gowran last month. He can take the Chesham Stakes ahead of Henry Cecil's highly-rated filly, High Walden, who only passed her stalls test at Brighton on Monday.
Carambola faces a tough test in the Ribblesdale against the Lingfield runner-up, Credit-APlenty and the Chester winner, Valentine Girl; and while the Cork and Orrery is Ireland's most successful race, Bianconi and One Won One may have to give best to Bold Fact.
Selections: 2.30 - Valentine Girl, 3.05 - Asanovo, 3.45 - Nedawi (Nap), 4.20 - Bold Fact, 4.55 - Bach, 5.30 - Biennale. Double: Nedawi and Bold Fact
