Royal Ascot 2013 - Queen's Vase

5.00 Ascot

Queen's Vase In Memory Of Sir Henry Cecil (Group 3) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner £42,532

Advice: 1 pt each/way Nichols Canyon (10/1 Bet365)

Leading Light: Nowhere on debut but improvement made to win 1m1f maiden on second start and unbeaten at 1m2f this year, although always prominent, setting a strong pace, and then finding plenty to win both 3yo conditions event and Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh latest; Would be pretty sure that he can stay 2m and sets a high standard on form for others to reach so will take the beating today. 

Baihas: France an contestant of several top class staying races; just failed to land favouritism on Salisbury debut but no such worries upped two furlongs latest and major staying potential, so no surprise to see a bold bid today.

Boite: Shaped like a stayer when winning at Pontefract but well beaten in Italian Group 2 and mowed down by Feel Like Dancing on seasonal reappearance and that formline gives him lot to do.

Da Do Run Run: Reasonable pedigree when winning 1m3f maiden at Lingfield latest, having gone from the front and never been in any danger; Should do well over staying distances but this a different kettle of fish.

Dashing Star: Best to write off his first two runs this season (too free and not good enough for the Dante), and the way he made large amounts of ground to come late and win valuable 1m4f handicap at Musselbrugh latest, form which does not make him 16/1 shot; High on shortlist.

Disclaimer: Has been on a real roll once stepped up in distance, and impressive winner on Doncaster reappearance before landing Kempton handicap up 11lbs from that; Second market for match Listed event at Goodwood but quickened impressively to beat Contributor with minimum of fuss and with damline full of stamina (dam a 1m6f winner), should go close.

Federal Blue: Belied poor debut and 25/1 SP, shaping as if he would get much further when sticking to the end despite speed in pedigree; Should enjoy step up in trip but needs much more today and others make more appeal.

Feel Like Dancing: Pipped Boite on debut at Newbury and while he was last of four in Chester vase, that a useful race with Group 1 winner; Fifth of six in 1m2f handicap at Newmarket disappointing but needed this trip for a good while and interesting to see what he can do.

Hasheem: Dreadful reappearance after promising maiden but handicap third (had won at Newcastle in weak maiden) a little better; Plenty of improvement still needed.

Mister Impatience: Yard has always done well in this and useful second string, second (ahead of Feel Like Dancing) in Chester Vase and drop to 10f did him no good latest; Interesting.

Naru: Second to Dashing Star at Musselburgh (the two carries the same weight) after setting a strong pace from the front, but no reason to see why he’d reverse from here and needs more.

Nearly Caught: With regards to staying 2m and further in the future his Windsor debut (14/1, 10 furlongs) was extremely promising, as he dwelt from the stalls and let himself get behind before rattling late to win cosily at Windsor; Fascinating contender.

Nichols Canyon: Progressed with time, winning 1m1f soft ground maiden last year before throwing away winning chance when set to win 1m3f Kempton handicap; This demands more and will need so stay straight but the pair were 9 lengths clear and no telling what he has to offer for 2m; Can go close.

Ralston Road: Fifth time lucky when winning at Leopardstown and then improved rapidly to land Chester handicap, clear of rest; Likely he’ll have more to offer at this trip.

Ray Ward: Won 1m2f maiden and minor event at Lingfield (both turf and AW) but doesn’t look like a group class horse on runs since.

Royal Skies: Stamina to prove but this one of stable’s main events and nothing wrong with way that he won handicaps at Musselbrugh and Pontefract by combined total of 15 lengths; One of the better chances.

VERDICT: Leading Light is a very worthy favourite based on the form he’s shown so far and while he’s going from 1m2f to two miles for the first time today, the strength of his performances this season suggests it’ll be no problem. He’s a very short favourite however, and it might be best to look elsewhere for each/way value. Disclaimer has a fine form chance if staying 2m, but NICHOLS CANYON might relish this trip even more and gets the vote despite the wayward tendencies he showed when swerving and costing himself certain victory at Kempton last time out. Dashing Star and Baihas are the best of the big priced runners.