Talking Horses

Big-field handicaps invariably provide hard luck stories and things certainly did not go Mastership's way in the 18-runner Bunbury Cup at Newmarket last time. The four-year-old should go close if he gets the breaks in today's totesport International at Ascot.

Formerly with Clive Brittain, for whom his form tailed off last year, Mastership has returned to his best since joining John Quinn. Second to Musaalem (now 6lb worse) at Doncaster, he was going on strongly at the finish when fourth in the Bunbury after getting a bump at the start and again with a furlong to run.

Lovelace, the runner-up, was also unfortunate and has strong form claims from a 3lb lower mark but would not want to repeat his recent habit of starting slowly. The well-backed Redford has yet to show his form on fast ground and this has not been a good race for three-year-olds.

Musaalem's middle draw may count against him, but Mastership (3.40) should be fine from stall one, judged on results at the Royal meeting. Artimino could also be in the shake-up from his low draw.

York 2.10 Tenth behind Jargelle, but not beaten far in last Saturday's Super Sprint at Newbury, Spring Tale has less on her plate this time.

Newmarket 2.25 It can pay to give another chance to Ask The Butler, who won nicely on his first start for Luca Cumani before running as if in need of stronger handling in a ladies' race at York.

Ascot 2.35 Though still a maiden, African Skies has the ability to open her account in this Group Three company. Of the first six home in the Albany Stakes, she was the only filly drawn in double figures and deserves extra credit for that effort.

York 2.40 Maiden winner Caprivi has potential, but it may be more important that Suzi's Decision has valuable experience. Paul d'Arcy's filly has won three handicaps and looks to be improving.

Newmarket 2.55 Though his run flattened out in the final furlong when third behind Carniolan at Ascot, Roaring Forte merits another chance with that outing under his belt.

Ascot 3.05 Perfect Stride, considered good enough to take his chance in the 2,000 Guineas, could well prove a blot on the weights. He has questions to answer after a lengthy absence, however, and this is a hot race. Though up in the ratings again, Yaddree looks the one to beat. He made a brave run up the far side in the Britannia Handicap at the Royal meeting and holds Lazy Days and Fathsta on that form.

York 3.15 It will be interesting to see how Tajaaweed fares after he patently failed to stay in the Derby. But it is doubtful whether his Chester defeat of Unnefer entitles him to trouble the four-year-old Pipedreamer, who steps down a grade after contesting Group One races. He was only a neck in front of Campanologist in the Eclipse, but a 3lb penalty will make things tougher for the Godolphin colt here.

Newmarket 3.30 Never in the reckoning in a hot York sprint last time, Meydan Princess comes well into this on her previous seven-furlongs form.

Ron Cox's tip of the day

Harrison George 3.45 York

Richard Fahey plans to run four in this sprint handicap, which he won with Wyatt Earp two years ago, and stable jockey Paul Hanagan is on Harrison George. The three-year-old, with two wins and two placings from four appearances at York, is at the right end of the handicap to maintain his progress. He has only won narrowly the last twice, but looks the type to find extra when required.

Horse sense

Caprivi fancied to cheer up York exile Dettori

King George day at Ascot will seem odd without Frankie Dettori, but he goes to York, where he is a significant booking for Caprivi (2.40). John Gosden had this filly entered for the Listed race here yesterday, but Caprivi is rated just 82 and she is well handicapped.

Stablemate Pipedreamer (3.15) turned in an enthusiastic solo spin and seems to be holding his form. He can prove too strong for Dettori's mount, Campanologist, in York's Group Two.

There is a good word for the Paul Cole-trained newcomer, Cruikadyke (4.15), later on the card, while in the opening race at Newmarket there is likely to be money for the Gosden debutant, Pergamon (1.55). Equipped with a visor for the first time, Henry Cecil's Timetable (2.55) is fancied to bounce back to form here.

Perfect Stride (3.05), last seen finishing down the field in the 2,000 Guineas, should be competitive in the mile handicap at Ascot. Sir Michael Stoute's colt has done some solid work of late, often with Kieren Fallon on board, and is potentially thrown in off this weight.

The Roger Charlton team are sweet on the chance of Rose Diamond (2.35) in the Princess Margaret Stakes. She has gone the right way since winning a race at Newmarket that has worked out well.

Papal Bull (4.20) has the ability to be in the shake-up for the King George. Our Newmarket correspondent reckons Olivier Peslier is just the man to get the best out of Stoute's quirky customer.

Elnawin (7.05) and Palace Moon (7.40) are two to note at Salisbury tonight, while at Ascot tomorrow John Quinn's Pevensey (2.15) is expected to run a big race.

Proponent (2.15), who didn't stay behind Sugar Ray at Royal Ascot, can get backers off to a good start at Glorious Goodwood when he reverts to 10 furlongs in Tuesday's opening race. Infallible (3.30) and Swop (5.15) are others to look out for on day one.

Click here for all the day's racecards, form, stats and results.

And click here for today's latest odds.