Five that take the eye!

Saturday

2.30 - Ocean Quest @ 6/1

After a brilliant seasonal reappearance behind Moss Tucker at Naas, I think Ken Condon’s four-year-old is a nice price to overturn the form with the current market leader. She enjoyed a productive year last year including a narrow fourth-placed defeat in the Commonwealth Cup and whilst she may be Ascot-bound again next month, connections will be hoping she puts her best foot forward on Saturday. Art Power looks to be the big danger, he ran well on his first start this season at York and his record in Ireland compared to the UK speaks for itself.

3.40 – River Tiber @ 7/2

Stepping up in trip for the first time in his life should see Aidan O’Brien’s Royal Ascot winner back in the winners’ enclosure. Finishing behind Vandeek on his last two starts is no bad thing and whilst Rosallion and Haatem look to make amends for their English 2000 Guineas defeats, River Tiber could excel now stepped up in trip. I think 7/2 is more than fair for a horse who we know runs well fresh and comes good at this time of year.

Sunday

2.35 – Thornbrook @ 14/1

Whilst new stablemate Rogue Millennium will take up a fair share of the market given her antics last year, I think that Joseph O’Brien’s second string is being severely overlooked. In a race that looks particularly wide open, she possesses some of the best form as a two year old including finishing third behind Breeders Cup winner Meditate and also Tahiyra on her second and third career start. Albeit, on her first start at a mile she didn’t seem at home, but she put those rumours to bed with a Listed success at Chantilly before finishing third at Ascot in July.

3.10 – Okeechobbee @ 8/1

Whilst this may look silly taking on Auguste Rodin who despite bombing out in Dubai, has the class to wipe all of these away, the English raider Okeechobbee certainly has a chance. His Sandown success beating Desert Hero and Israr gives him respect in this field and whilst this may not be his day to win a Group 1, I’m certain he will win one at some point in the near future.

3.45 – Fallen Angel @ 6/1

Sticking with the theme of British raiders, Karl Burke’s filly can make amends after a somewhat misfire in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. Given her performances last year, especially here on the last start of her season, she could still be the best of these if things go to plan. A positive is that Karl Burke was very keen to send her here soon after and Danny Tudhope believes we haven’t seen the best of her, which is exciting. Vespertilio could be the biggest threat, she finished behind Fallen Angel in September and would be a big threat if the rain fell for her.