Amazonian to nick a place at a huge price

West Country James Stevens

THE West Country is sparsely represented at Royal Ascot but at a huge price the Rod Millman-trained Amazonian Dream could go well in the Windsor Castle Stakes on Wednesday.

He has yet to win a race, but has put in three solid efforts, in particular when an unlucky fourth at Salisbury last time out. He looked to be making a challenge when getting squeezed out, and although he is unlikely to have beaten Second Wind, it was a fine run.

As expected for a big Royal Ascot race, a lot of these have had just the one start so his experience can help him. He may be able to nick a place at a huge each-way price.

Brief Ambition finally got off the mark over hurdles last time out and can follow up that victory in the MansionBet Betstival Fallers Insurance Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter on Wednesday. There is not a lot of substance to that victory, but it was another indicator that he likes good ground, which he will have again here. Considering how much promise he showed in the early stages of his career, he could be well handicapped off 117 and this is far from the strongest of handicaps. He looks to be improving and has a solid chance.

On Thursday, Pointed And Sharp can go one better at Ffos Las following a return-toform second at the track a fortnight ago. Philip Hobbs’ runner tackles the Cp Civil Engineering (UK) Welcomes Back Spectators Handicap Chase over the same distance as his encouraging recent run where he may have gone close if not for a mistake at the last. This is probably a better race but he is a stone below his last winning mark and his turn is set to come soon.

Also worth noting

Tomorrow Mystery (Paul Nicholls) in the 3.35 at Worcester on Sunday