The Commonwealth Cup sees top-class performers. This year’s renewal is set to see the biggest field yet (22) go to post.
Sands of Mali breaking from stall 22 seems to be in great form. He beat Invincible Army by a nose in the Sandy Lane. However, Ascot will ask more from Mali; his stamina will be sorely tested.
On the other hand Invincible Army beat Eqtidaar in the Pavilion Stakes over the same C&D.
Eqtidaar is also in the mix. His connections will probably instruct the jockey to ride with restrint hoping that Equilateral (stall 2), Actress (stall 5) and Cardsharp (stall 7) all go forward. If they do, he almost certainly has the ability to out-run them. However, Equilateral, who stormed clear of his rivals when winning a minor event at Doncaster last month seems good enough to land in the superfecta in this unusually large field.
But the one to beat is the Aidan O’Brien-trained Sioux Nation. He seems to be versatile as to how he’s ridden. He was impressive in his Lacken win on his latest start at Naas. That win stretched his unbeaten record on ground firmer than good to four, and, with a nice draw in stall 15, Ryan Moore should get the perfect tow into the race.
Click Here To Watch Commonwealth Cup Stakes 2017
1st Caravaggio (A. O'Brien,R. Moore), 2nd Harry Angel (C. Cox,A. Kirby), 3rd Blue Point (C. Appleby,W. Buick), 4th Bound For Nowhere(W.Ward,D. Flores), 5th Mr Scarlet (M. Lavery,P. Smullen), 6th Tis Marvellous (C. Cox,G. Mosse), 7th Straight Right (C. Ferland,O. Peslier), 8th Visionary (R. Cowell,J. Spencer), 9th Intelligence Cross (A. O'Brien,S. Heffernan), 10th Legendary Lunch (R.Hannon, Jr.,T. Marquand ), 11th Victory Angel (R. Varian,S. Sousa), 12th Yalta (M. Johnston,J. Doyle)
Distance:6f (1,207 metres), Surface:Turf, Track:Straight, Qualification:Three-years-old, Weight:9 stone 3 lb,Allowances,3 lb for fillies,10 lb for S. Hemisphere horses, Purse:£400,000 (2017),1st: £226,840
Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretaristworld.com