Dont miss 32Red ambassador Jamie Spencer’s latest column as he talks through his Saturday rides at Ascot
Spencer runs through his rides at Ascot on Saturday and gives his opinion on today's thrilling Sprint Cup at Haydock
The multi-award winning online casino are the most prolific sponsor of British Racing. Every week at the you can read Brand Ambassadors Jamie Spencer, Josephine Gordon and Luke Morris’ thoughts on their prominent rides and the hot topics in Flat Racing, as well as get unrivalled access to Jump’s biggest names in Nico de Boinville, Paddy Brennan and Bryan Cooper.
I’M hoping I’ll be singing the blues today.
I’ve got a busy day with a full book of eight rides at Ascot and half of them are in the Godolphin blue.
I’ve been lucky for them over the years so hopefully that will continue.
My first ride is Court Of Justice (1.35). He’s a lovely big horse. I’ve only sat on him once but whatever he does today he’ll improve on.
It’s first time out so we like to give them a nice experience and hopefully he’ll run a big race. He has got a good attitude.
David Simcock’s runners are trained to improve rather than be at their 100 per cent peak for their debuts.
Soliloquy (2.10) travelled well and handled the ground when runner-up at Newmarket. I can’t see her having too many problems. She sets a decent standard and with normal improvement she should be hard to beat.
Birchwood (2.45) will like the easy ground. He hasn’t won for a while but he ran well for me when third in the Betfred Mile at Goodwood. The drop back to a stiff seven furlongs won’t be a problem.
The handicapper has put him up 3lbs but I’m sure he’ll be able to perform off that weight.
Dubara (3.20) won at Goodwood last time. She has had problems with the stalls but she broke on terms last time. It was good to see her behave a bit better.
If she can do the same again she’ll have a decent chance.
Some horses can get claustrophobic in the stalls. If they get that one fright it can set them off for the rest of their career. Gary and Craig Witheford, who specialise in horses with problems like this, usually put her in the stalls. If that all goes smoothly she’ll be fine.
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A mile with ease in the ground is what she wants — she gets it today.
First Nation (3.55) finished second to Atty Persse at Royal Ascot and he ran a good race when fourth at Goodwood last time.
An outside stall won’t make it easy but he has a chance.
You have to try to take a position at Ascot on the round course, it’s hard to come through them from the rear. That will be the plan.
Dream Warrior (4.30) is a son of Dubawi out of I’m A Dreamer, who won the Grade 1 Beverley D in America.
I don’t know anything else about him but on pedigree he looks to have an obvious chance.
Charlie Appleby likes them to have a good experience on their debuts and plenty win.
I made all to win on Jordan Sport (5.05) at Newmarket. This much bigger field will be a different proposition.
If he can break well, go forward and not be hassled he’ll have a good chance. He’s a classy horse on his day.
A fast pace helps Mont Kiara (5.40). He won at Newmarket last time and he has got plenty of ability.
Kevin Ryan is having a great second half of the season. I’m delighted for him as he’s a good trainer and a good pal.
In Haydock’s 32Red Sprint Cup I like the look of The Tin Man for James Fanshawe.
He won the Diamond Jubilee and he was stuck out on a limb in the July Cup. Newmarket wouldn’t suit him anyway as it’s hard to come from off the pace.