Trust Willie to get job done

A winner last Saturday with Cold Stare at Goodwood. Today, the big race is the sprint cup at Haydock but there is some quality handicap action at Ascot.

The Porche handicap is a cracker of a race and it is so tough I think we will only have one selection rather than the usual two against the field. A horse with potential to step forward off his current mark is Willie John. In the Goodwood mile last month, he travelled into contention nicely but didn’t see out the trip or wasn’t able to quicken as his run flattened out over the final furlong. That was his first run since a gelding operation and he might do the job today. In the Royal Hunt Cup here in June, Willie John was drawn low and raced with just three other horses but again looked a non stayer at the business end of that race. David Egan rides this Roger Varian trained lightly raced 5yo who has the talent and the big question is does he want to win?

Blue Mist & Via Serpendipity were the others on the shortlist and of that pair I would pick Blue Mist on today's ground conditions. Both horses were impressive winners last time out however Blue Mist won the International stakes handicap which was much the better race. The handicapper has had his say raising Blue Mist 6lbs but on a positive note he looks an improved horse this season and loves Ascot.