Ascot Gold Cup

The Gold Cup over 2 1/2 miles at 16.45 CET is the main feature of today´s Ladies Day at Royal Ascot and has a very strong field, including Fame and Glory (Jamie Spencer), Opinion Poll (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Mikael Barzalona) and Askau Tau (Marcus Tregoning/ George Baker), first, second and fifth in 2011. Fame and Glory also won the Ascot Long Distance Cup over 2 miles here in October from Opinion Poll, Colour Vision (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) a close third and Nehaam (John Gosden/ Paul Hanagan) fourth. Fame and Glory (like Askar Tau by the late lamented Montjeu out of a German mare) is thus the clear favourite, but he is no certainty and the rain will not help his chances. Although Dettori has chosen to ride Colour Vision, a very easy winner last time, his decision was made two days ago and the change in the going will not be in his favour. Opinion Poll however goes well on the soft and his chances have improved. Askar Tau is another one who does not want it soft, but we think everything has now come right for Saddlers Rock (John Oxx/ Johnny Murtagh) an easy winner last year of the Doncaster Cup from Opinion Poll. Like Colour Vision he is a 4yo, an age group that has not done well in this race, but we make him a confident selection.