Ascot - John Doyle Buckhounds Stakes

2.20 Ascot
John Doyle Buckhounds Stakes (Listed) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £22,708
Pick: Duncan
Duncan: Won this race after taking Epsom handicap in good style last year and then went on to finish fourth in Coronation Cup, showing his class; Bombed after than but he goes well fresh and no doubting he can still do better.

Hatton Flight: Improved a lot last spring, notching up a quick hat – trick in handicaps; Seemed to stop after that and this is stiff task even at this best, based on his long finish last at Chester when last seen.

Traffic Guard: Has some serious form and if he could get back his career best second to New Approach, he would come under some serious consideration; Also did well when slamming useful horses at Windsor last summer; Will have improved for the run last time and must hold every chance.

Barshiba: Consistent mare who’s run series of cracking races and last season no exception, especially when upped back to 1m4f for her last 2 starts, which include a Yorkshire Oaks among an impressive rout of the Plantation Stud Stakes field under a hefty penalty; Major contender if fit for this race, as she usually needs the run.

Starfala: Was second in this last year and ran well all season, although she has a lot more on her plate this time round and might need the run a fair bit; Behind Barshiba on form.

VERDICT: Although DUNCAN is a short price, he’s much the best of these on form and should take all the beating in attempting to follow up his win in the race last year. Barshiba will give them all a scrap if fit, while Traffic Guard has been overpriced at 7/1 and would have been the e/w pick if there were eight places.