The Ascot Gold Cup is always one of the pinnacle races of the calendar and the battle between Order Of St George and Stradivarius looks intriguing. For months I’ve believed Order Of St George will bounce back and win it, but on the eve of the big race I am very uncertain.
It’s an interesting one but I think this could be the day that Order Of St George can land the prestigious contest. He was beaten in a photo finish by a perfect ride from James Doyle aboard Big Orange, and I just think that being back at Ascot will bring out the best in him.
He’s been in excellent form this season winning two from two and looks to have retained every single bit of his sparkle – but a bit of improvement is required of him this afternoon. He will relish the ground here where some other of his rivals won’t.
Order Of St George is my bet here, I think he’s a real star and can once again flourish on the big stage. This is an open affair and he will need improve a fair amount but that’s not impossible and he does set a very high form standard here.
I do respect Stradivarius a huge amount, however I just think that the trip could stretch him a little and that worry is a big concern for me. He still has plenty of big days ahead of him, and is a supremely talented horse, but I would be worried about the trip.
Vazirabad is another horse I have a huge amount of respect for and he really is a classy animal having won countless top-level prizes all over the world. He will stay the trip, but the worry for me would have to be whether he will be as effective in the fast conditions is slightly unknown.
