Doubts remain over Fantastic Fox despite last-time-out win

Friday: 3.40 Ascot
National Racehorse Week Handicap | 1m | 3yo+ | Sky

Fantastic Fox looked a star in the making when running away with a Hamilton maiden in May in a good time, but some were beginning to question what they had seen after two wayward performances at Ascot on his next two starts, when he didn’t look straightforward.

The Frankel colt brought back memories of his sire’s performance in the St James’s Palace Stakes when he went off like a tearaway in front in the Golden Gates Stakes at the royal meeting in June, and it was no surprise when he folded tamely after turning for home clear.

He got worked up again before his next start over a mile at that track and connections tried to harness his enthusiasm by holding him up, but it didn’t work and he still didn't settle.

You could be fooled into thinking he had put that exuberance behind him because he was back in the winner’s enclosure at Haydock last time and he did it well. However, a closer look at the form book shows the two-and-a-half-length win didn’t tell us anything new.

On Racing Post Ratings Fantastic Fox performed to a lower level than when he was beaten at Ascot on his previous start and he still showed all the worrying signs that he has yet to mature. He pulled his way through the entire contest and won despite failing to settle.

He is back up in grade against classy types like Uncle Bryn, who competed in the Dante on his last start in May, and Fantastic Fox will need to control his enthusiasm if he is to score again.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Roger Varian, trainer of Fantastic Fox
He's in good form and is a progressive horse. The track and trip will suit him and I think he'll be okay on the ground. We're looking forward to running him.

John Gosden, joint-trainer of Uncle Bryn
We've had him gelded since his last run and we're running him back at a mile. We're hoping for a change in form.

George Margarson, trainer of Ropey Guest
He's had some tough tasks set for him this year but he's dropping down in grade and is very well in himself. We found no reason why he ran badly last time but he's in really good nick and he should perform at the track and in this grade.

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Gifted Ruler
He seems very well. He's been a shade disappointing over time but he has a nice race in him. The track, trip and ground will suit him and I would be disappointed if he did not run a big race.

James Tate, trainer of Walhaan
He was new to us at the start of the year and he seems to be running himself into a little bit of form. Looking through his record his best runs previously have been at Ascot, so fingers crossed he can give a good show. He certainly looks like he's improving with each start and I'm hopeful of a big show, but I'm wary of a couple of unexposed three-year-olds in there.
Reporting by Matt Rennie

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