Wednesday & Thursday Ascot runners
Ascot 
/ Michael Bell / 15 June 2011 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market
Capaill Liath (grey, right) comes home first at Ascot last September
Capaill Liath has been laid out for this race as we know he handles the track very well. He's in good nick at home and I hope I have been clever in booking one of the best apprentices about (Harry Bentley) to take the ride.
Five horses take to Ascot for Michael Bell over the next couple of days, so what does he make of their chances?
Royal Ascot, Wednesday
16:25, Royal Hunt Cup
Mont Agel: He's in excellent order at home and the form of his York race is working out very well. From a form perspective you would have to think he would go well but I am a bit concerned about the draw. The high numbers did look favoured on Tuesday but I suppose there hasn't been a proper test of the far rail and as long as there is pace around him, he ought to give a very good account of himself.
17:35, Sandringham Handicap
Sweetie Time: She's in great order at home but I am worried that the ground might just be drying out too much for her. She is much happier when there is some cut in the ground and although she will appreciate the trip, I would like some rain.
Royal Ascot, Thursday
15:05, Ribbledale Stakes
Crème Anglaise: She is up in class but she will improve for the step up in trip and it looked a decent maiden that she won at Newbury last time. This is obviously tougher but I would be very hopeful that she would give a good account of herself.
16:25, Britannia Stakes
Capaill Liath: He has been laid out for this race as we know he handles the track very well. He's in good nick at home and I hope I have been clever in booking one of the best apprentices about (Harry Bentley) to take the ride. It's obviously a tough race but he looks on a good mark and can go well.
17:35, King George V Stakes
Communicator: He will appreciate any rain and there is some forecast for Thursday, so hopefully it will get into the ground before the last race. His York form looks strong and he has a satisfactory draw - you can get drawn out of things on the round course here. He is entitled to be in the mix and stays very well, but he does have it all to do with Purification (beat him by three lengths at Windsor and at level weights here).
...and not to forget!
Leicester, Thursday
20.50 1m4f Maiden
Rishikesh: He is a nice, progressive middle-distance horse who will know much more than on his debut this time. He isn't going to be as good as his half-sister Sariska but this is only a Leicester maiden on a Thursday night and I am encouraged by the fact that Jamie Spencer is heading up the motorway to ride him after he has finished at Ascot.
