British Champions Long Distance Cup 2012

1.45 Ascot 

Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO plus) 
Winner £113,42

Advice: 1 pt win Aiken (4/1 general) 

Aiken: One of the most progressive horses seen this season and completed six-timer when beating Dunaden in tactical Group 2 at Chantilly on penultimate start; Since beaten into fourth on next two occasions but chased too hard a gallop in Hardwicke,  while Irish St Ledger showed his potential for longer trips even if he was outstayed a bit late on; Ground has come rips for him, so worth even more consideration.

Askar Tau: Not quite recovered the form that saw him win Doncaster and Yorkshire Cups in 2009, but still shown talent remains when second to Saddlers Rock in Goodwood Cup; That alone won ‘t suffice here though and ground could have turned out faster.

Colour Vision: Third in this last year; Winner of epic duel to win Gold Cup here in June on ground which bears similar resemblance to today, and while he’s not reached that form since, did put Doncaster disappointment behind him when third in heavy ground Cadaran two weeks ago; Condtions of this race see him given strong chance at weights and has to be taken seriously.

Electrolyser: None from 11 in group company and best effort this season (a front running Nottingham listed event) still leaves him very short.

Fame And Glory: Top class middle distance horse turned stayer, winner of Gold Cup in 2011 and arguably the best horse in this race based on his best form, which also saw him win this in 2011; Not been at best since, especially when posting poor efforts in Gold Cup and Irish St Ledger; More in and out since 2011 Gold Cup win so if caught on a good day, can beat them all, but hard to guess that nowdays.

Ile De Re: Solid novice hurdler but reached new heights as staying handicapper in near bottomless ground, winning Chester Cup and Northumberland Plate

Opinion Poll: Arguably the most consistent stayer in training, having been second in the last two Gold Cups and in this very race last time; Should go close today with no obvious reason for him not to post big effort.

Rite Of Passage: Much vaunted dual purpose runner, who won 2010 Gold Cup after coming third in 2010 Neptune Novices Hurdle; That form would give hi big chance and no worries with ground, but has run just once in the last two years; Hard to know if ready but market not showing any signs, and left alone today.

Saddlers Rock: Proven himself to be top class stayer with Ascot Gold Cup third (unlucky) and Goodwood Cup win, and not hand things drop right for him since so latest form figures best ignored; Only worry is ground gone against him yet again.

VERDICT: A wet Autumn and deluge of rain have thrown open this contest, with all of the likely principals having the ability to win, although only Opinion Poll has had what could be called a blemish free season. AIKEN has an exceptional record on soft ground and as such, gets the vote.