The big question for punters on day one at this Royal Ascot is: how many excuses do you make for a horse who was brilliant last year but has yet to show it this season? Too Darn Hot is the relevant animal and he probably still has bundles of talent, despite being winless since autumn.
But Phoenix Of Spain (4.20) beat him fair and square in the Irish Guineas and I hope to see Charlie Hills’s grey confirm the form of that three-length success in the St James’s Palace Stakes. Reportedly, he had a troubled preparation for that outing and may well be better again here. He got within two lengths of Too Darn Hot in September, looking very much like a horse who would do better with time, so there surely was no fluke about his Classic win.
Related: Why a bookie-bashing Royal Ascot may add to racing’s money misery
Ascot 2.30 Mustashry 3.05 Threat 3.40 Blue Point 4.20 Phoenix Of Spain (nap) 5.00 The Grand Visir (nb) 5.35 Star Of Bengal
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