Top commentator Simon Holt says Simple Verse can challenge Order Of St George in the Ascot Gold Cup on Thursday.
Recommended bets: Simon Holt, Royal Ascot day three
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For many, Order Of St George will be one of the banker bets of the week when he seeks back-to-back victories in Thursday's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, but Simple Verse is fancied to give the likely short-price favourite a good run for his money.
Ralph Beckett's mare, winner of the St Leger two seasons ago, has long shaped as though a searching test of stamina will suit her well and, while disappointing in the Hardwicke Stakes at this meeting last year when out of form, has run very well on two other visits to Ascot.
Successful in the Champions Day Fillies and Mares' Stakes here in October 2015, she was probably unsuited by the slow early pace and stayed on strongly when third behind Sheikhzayedroad and Quest For More (Order Of St George fourth) in the Long Distance Cup at the same meeting last autumn having earlier looked all about stamina when wearing down Pretty Perfect to win the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster.
Unlike early last season, Simple Verse seems to be in rude health now if her reappearance second to Dartmouth in the Yorkshire Cup is anything to go by, and this step up in trip could really suit this dual Group One winner.
Of course, Order Of St George will be a tough nut to crack after his impressive victory here last season and subsequent third behind stable companions Found and Highland Reel in the Arc, and he may have been feeling the effects of that outstanding effort when only fourth here subsequently.
Aidan O'Brien's high-class middle-distance stayer was beaten first time out this season, but enjoyed a comfortable victory in the listed Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown last month and will doubtless be spot on in defence of his crown.
Sheikhzayedroad, third last year, seems to have found improvement with age and should go to post fresh having been given a break since chasing home Vazirabad and Beautiful Romance (Big Orange fourth) in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan in March.
The popular Big Orange attempts this longer trip for the first time and it could be a tall order if, as expected, he is asked to make all the running as he has done so successfully in the past over shorter distances. However, if the course escapes the thunderstorms, ground conditions should be ideal for him.
Prior to that, Naughty Or Nice can give trainer John Oxx a welcome big-race win in the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes.
Unbeaten in two starts, the daughter of Fastnet Rock should stay very well at this trip having taken a listed race over a mile and five furlongs at Navan last time by a head from subsequent winner Grandee.
Naughty Or Nice travelled well that day and did well to win having been forced to switch at one stage, and there could be much more to come, especially with blinkers now fitted.
Her debut defeat of Bean Feasa at Gowran Park was also franked afterwards by the runner-up.
Classic form is represented by the Oaks third Alluringly (Coronet fifth), though she was beaten further at Epsom by Enable than at Chester previously, while the beautifully-bred Mori (by Frankel out of Midday) takes another step up the ladder after her listed defeat of Coconut Creme at Goodwood.
In the Group Three Hampton Court Stakes, there is more Classic form on offer with Taj Mahal, Order Of The Garter and Bay Of Poets (fourth, sixth and seventh respectively in the French Derby), Benbatl (fifth behind Wings Of Eagles in the Derby at Epsom) and Irish Correspondent (third to Churchill in the Irish 2000 Guineas) all taking their chances.
However, along with many others, I was very taken by the run of Mirage Dancer when he finished fourth behind subsequent Derby runner-up Cliffs Of Moher and Bay Of Poets in the Dee Stakes at Chester on just his second start and, while he was touted for Epsom subsequently, it may be to his benefit that connections chose to wait for this.
At Chester, the son of Frankel was momentarily caught behind runners approaching the straight but then stayed on takingly, gaining quickly as the line loomed and confirming the favourable impression of his maiden victory at Doncaster last season.
Very well bred out of a Group One-winning half sister to Dansili and Banks Hill, Mirage Dancer looks a horse full of potential.
Where to watch on TV: ITV & Racing UK
Posted at 1355 BST on 21/06/17.
