Give Albaflora another chance after Epsom flop

AIDAN O’BRIEN team of four in the Hardwicke Stakes (3.40) was halved last night when Mogul and Tiger Moth were withdrawn on account of the ground and in any case Broome looks by far the best of them on Ascot’s testing ground, although Japan was fourth in an Arc on a soft surface too.

Broome is really tough and will appreciate the step up to 1m4f, but having been so impressive here earlier in the season it might be worth giving another chance to the filly Albaflora, despite her disappointing effort in the Coronation Cup last time.

There are no horses of the calibre of Pyledriver and Al Aasy in this race but, more importantly, the two courses are like chalk and cheese and I don’t believe Albaflora gave her running at Epsom.

She looked a top-class mare in the making when winning over course and distance before that, and the form was good as the second went on to win a Listed race easily.

Starman has lived up to his name apart from the time he ran on very soft ground at Ascot last season and, once again, the weather looks to have foiled his chances of winning a Group 1 in the Diamond Jubilee (4.20).

I’m sure Starman is the best horse in the race under normal circumstances, but these are abnormal circumstances and it looks more a case of horse adaptability rather than ability.

Furthermore, it is anyone’s guess as to where the best place to race will be on the straight track, so it is best not to worry too much at this stage.

If Starman doesn’t run the market will be turned on its head, so it’s probably best to leave that race alone and have a crack at a couple at big prices in the Jersey Stakes (3.05).

Given that Richard Fahey has won two of last five runnings of the race, it makes sense to have a close look at Rhythm Master, who will love soft ground.

He was a staying-on third behind yesterday’s Commonwealth Cup winner Campanelle in the Morny last season and seemed to find the ground too quick on his comeback run.

The other one at a huge price is New Mandate, who was one of the best juveniles of last season and will be staying on strongly at the finish.

The question is whether he will be quite quick enough on his seasonal reappearance under a penalty. The bar, however, isn’t set that high and Ralph Beckett has booked Colin Keane.

The Chesham Stakes (2.30) was for years the poor relation of the juvenile races at the meeting, but in recent seasons the likes of Churchill, Pinatubo and Battleground have won the race and I think the winner will be of similar calibre.

The standout horse is clearly Point Lonsdale, who impressed on softish ground on his debut at the Curragh, and this race has always been his target.

He is the one to beat, but the second was defeated next time and this is a race full of horses with potential.

New Science and Reach For

The Moon come out of a good race at Yarmouth and are from top stables, while Andrew Balding has won the two Group races over 6f at the meeting and no doubt Masekela has been working with Sandrine and Berkshire Shadow.

However, the one to be on could well be Michael Bell’s runner Great Max, who won at Newbury in a good time on his debut and was strong at the finish in the process.

Being by Wootton Bassett out of a Youmzain mare there has to be every chance he will act on the soft ground, and I reckon Great Max is capable of springing a minor surprise.

Last year Bell produced The Lir Jet to win the Norfolk, and he wouldn’t be running Great Max if he didn’t rate him highly.