Talking Horses: Varian can boost vintage Royal Ascot with Pierre Lapin


Roger Varian’s incredible meeting looks set to continue in the Commonwealth Cup in which he fields Pierre Lapin

Roger Varian’s incredible Royal Ascot looks set to continue in Friday’s big race, the Commonwealth Cup, in which he fields Pierre Lapin (3.35). While he is the least experienced in the field after just two runs, he could also be called the most promising on the strength of his Mill Reef success at Newbury in the autumn.

Both starts have come on a sound surface but he is a half-brother to Harry Angel, who won a Haydock Sprint Cup on heavy ground and was also beaten less than a length in this race three years ago. Pierre Lapin looks the right favourite but Southern Hills could be a source of each-way value, having won the Windsor Castle here last year.

Related: Stradivarius romps home to win third Gold Cup in row at Royal Ascot

Ascot 1.15 Art Power 1.50 Mahale 2.25 Imperial Force 3.00 Elarqam 3.35 Pierre Lapin 4.10 Berkshire Rocco (nap) 4.40 Good Birthday (nb)

Newmarket 12.20 Sidi Mansour 12.50 Rose Hip 1.25 Haqeeqy 2.00 Top Class Angel 2.35 Nehaall 3.10 Sarvan 3.45 Alvaro 4.20 Marbella

Lingfield 4.25 Just Glamorous 5.00 Saunton 5.35 Intrepid Italian 6.05 Anjaaletta 6.35 Winter Halo 7.05 Pioneering 7.35 Lismore 8.05 Lauberhorn Rocket

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