Thomas Chippendale

22nd-Jun-2013

The Hardwicke Stakes is a wide-open contest but, with the possibility that Universal and Ektihaam will get into a bit of a battle for the lead, I am backing the two Cecil horses, Noble Mission and Thomas Chippendale ...

The ground is a slight worry for Thomas Chippendale, he has been a little below his best when he has run on quick ground before, but not a long way below his best, and they did have some rain overnight at Ascot and are due some more through today, so the ground may just be fine for him.

On his run behind Al Kazeem at Sandown in April, he has a big chance. He finished just ahead of Ektihaam there, and obviously the winner has progressed to be a Group 1 horse.

Of course, he has to turn around a heavy defeat to Ektihaam over today’s course and distance on his most recent run, but the winner was allowed an easy time of things in front there, Thomas Chippendale was never in a great position, and it is probable that that was not a true reflection of their respective abilities. Ektihaam is an exciting horse, but he is priced up on his most recent run, when he had an easy lead, and Thomas Chippendale’s price in relation to him seems to be based on their last run alone.

The strong pace will suit Thomas Chippendale, it is a positive that he is returning to Ascot, given that he won the King Edward VII Stakes last season and that Johnny Murtagh, who rode him that day, is back on board. No one is riding better this week.

THOMAS CHIPPENDALE WON (ADV 12/1, SP 8/1)

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