Paul Ferguson two selections for us on Saturday; Crystal Ocean in the Ascot 3.40 and Crystal Moonlight in the 3.45 at Chester.
Sir Michael Stoute holds a very strong hand in this afternoon’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and I’m in the camp of Crystal Ocean (3:40) over stable-mate Poet’s Word.
A case can be made that the latter has the stronger form in the book, but he is at his best over a shade shorter, in my opinion, whereas Crystal Ocean is a thorough stayer at the trip. Indeed, he, of course, finished runner-up in the St Leger (over an extended 1m6f) last season, where he finished one place ahead of Ascot Gold Cup winner Stradivarius. Since returning to action with a win in the Gordon Richards Stakes, the Sea The Stars colt has thrived over 1m4f and was a comfortable winner of the Hardwicke Stakes at last month’s Royal meeting. It is a slight negative that Ryan Moore isn’t able to ride; that is not to say William Buick isn’t up to the job, but Moore gets on really well with Crystal Ocean and has been aboard him for four of his five career wins. Still, I think he is capable of scoring at Group 1 level for the first time.
Up at Chester, the same connections – Stoute and owner Sir Evelyn de Rothschild – can complete a quick-fire across-the-card double, courtesy of Crystal Moonlight (3:45).
An impressive winner at Doncaster last month, the New Approach filly really found her stride late on over 1m2f and is bred to relish this longer trip.
Her likely main market rival Snow Wind was also impressive in shedding her maiden tag recently, when making all at Ripon. She was quite keen in front, so the longer trip is more of a concern with her, and that sways things in favour of Crystal Moonlight. William Haggas’ daughter of High Chaparral moved really nicely, however, and never looked in trouble at any stage. It should be a good match-up between the pair.
Saturday’s selections:
3:40 Ascot – Crystal Ocean; 5/2 William Hill
3:45 Chester – Crystal Moonlight; 5/6 William Hill
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