Royal Ascot 2012 - Gold Cup

3.45 Royal Ascot (Day 3, Race 3)

Gold Cup (British Champions Series) (Group 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £198,485

Advice: 4 pts win Fame & Glory (evs general)

Askar Tau: Did Doncaster/Yorkshire Cup double a couple of seasons ago until losing form; Won the Sagaro Stakes last year but disappointed in other races and well behind Fame & Glory in last year’s renewal; Lots to find.

Bridge Of Gold: Good comeback from an absence until blowing up on lack of fitness when third in John Porter at Newbury; Failed to build upon that when only fifth in listed handicap last time out and as well as that, possible stamina queries to answer.

Caucus: Good comeback form a while off when third in competitive Newmarket handicap but then proceeded to flop next time out and stamina along with class are worries for him.

Fame & Glory: Top class middle distance horse turned stayer who justified large amounts of support to win this by a clear cut three lengths last year from Opinion Poll; Dissapointed next twice but showed just how good he could be when beating Opinon Poll and Colour Vision in the Long Distance Stakes on Champions Day here; Good return when beating Unaccompanied by a cosy neck in Vintage Crop Stakes second year running; Improved considerably for seasonal debut in all 4 seasons of racing so far and no reason why he shouldn’t do so once again.

Nehaam: Progressive handicapper last season, winning here over 12f and atoning for Ebor disappointment when second in good Haydock contest; Exposed behind Times Up and Fame & Glory and beaten fair and square on seasonal debut.

Opinion Poll: Excellent second behind Fame & Glory in this last year and since won Yorkshire Cup, while not finished worse than second since last May; Looked as good as ever when romping away with Henry II Stakes (all the more impressive seeing as he had a penalty)and sure to be thereabouts at the end once again.

Colour Vision: Handicapper turned Group horse for Mark Johnston with third in the Long Distance Cup last season and then took whole seconds off the track record in diverted Sagaro Stakes (run on AW) when beating Red Cadeux with ease; Must be hugely respected here.

Gulf Of Naples: Looked to have a future at pattern level when running a close second to Thimaar in Queen’s Vase and backed that up with convincing win in  Ripon handicap; Did well to come third in Chester Cup but listed third disappointing and this might be too much for him.

Saddler’s Rock: Progressed into a stayer of some potential when winning handicap with ease and hasn’t looked back, running away with the Doncaster Cup (beat Opinion Poll by four lengths); Beaten on return but that an unlucky defeat with the ground and pace of the race all wrong for one like him; Will stay trip and relish it, and another one with an excellent chance.

VERDICT: A top quality renewal with 4 outstanding chances. FAME AND GLORY has a massive task to retain his title with three top quality opponents lining up to take their chances at him, but he’s made for peaking on days like this and while his Listed win wouldn’t have impressed everyone, he’s never been any good on his seasonal debut and he’s found tons of improvement in the last three seasons for his first outing and can do so again. Those looking for value without wanting to oppose the favourite should looking into the winning distances; The 3/1 with Hills for him to win by less than 2 lengths might appeal. If the favourite has an off day, anyone of Opinion Poll, Saddlers Rock or Colour Vision will take advantage.