Sir Prancelot is strongly-fancied to remain unbeaten and complete a hat-trick, when facing 22 rivals in the group two Coventry Stakes over six furlongs, at Royal Ascot today. Richard Hannon's charge ticks enough boxes and is, definitely, a progressive sort, ideally suited to this two-year-old classic. After opening his account over a similar distance at Bath last month, Sir Prancelot was dropped to five for a listed race down the Sandown 'dash' and scored impressively, with Richard Hughes experimenting. The confident Irishman contemptuously waited, and waited, before asking Sir Prancelot to lead about a furlong out. At the line this Tamayuz colt was four and half lengths clear. Class! On my time-handicap, Sir Prancelot achieved what is usually required to win this highly-prestigious race and of course, Hannon certainly knows, instinctively, as he specialises with this fascinating age group.
Don't forget, every season is just another set of two-year-olds! Irish raiders - Dawn Approach and Cristoforo Columbo, from the yards of Jim Bolger/Aidan O'Brien, respectively, are bound to be 'on the premises' and could be anything but Sir Prancelot has suddenly burst on the scene and could be all set to dominate the juvenile scene. Away from the madding crowd, as it exits this magnificent racecourse and parties at the same time, Kicken Off will be attempting to go one better and making it third time lucky in the six-runner Maiden Stakes, over six furlongs at Brighton. A week ago, Kicken Off was beaten a short-head in a three-horse race over this undulating course where heavily-backed favourite, Whistling Buddy, finished last! However, the time-handicap mark represented an improved effort by Kicken Off and though Emirates Echo will surely be odds-on, Kicken Off will carry my wedge and the nap, not to mention excellent jockey, Adam Kirby. A solid bet.
SELECTIONS
RACE 6 (#1) DIL LANEY
RACE 14 (#20) SIR PRANCELOT (e.w.)
RACE 19 (#18)
SMOOTHTALKINRASCAL (e.w.)
RACE 25 (#4) KICKEN OFF (nap)