This horse has run at Ascot 4 times, winning 3 over 6f, 7f and lto over 8f. The trip and ground pose no problem and the easing of the ground to good is going to suit him better than some of the sprinter type 7f horses. Having his first run of the season so taking fitness on trust but he did win 1st time out as a 2yo and 3yo. Trainer knows what he is doing and has had 3 winners in the last 8 days. Jockey has not been banging in the winners but did win on his last ride at Nottingham yesterday.
Will probably be ridden off the pace and come with a late rattle but he does have a good turn of foot, so if he does win it could be a very exciting finish.
I’m really looking forward to running Dark Shift in the Victoria Cup (4.05pm). He’s got a very good record at Ascot, including winning his last two there, and you’d hope he’ll go very close again. We thought about the Lincoln earlier in the season, but we decided this was the best race for him and have deliberately kept him back for it. I think the draw in four is fine and he’s in really good form at home, so we’re very much hoping for the best.