'He's in tremendous form' - quotes and analysis for Cambridgeshire prep race

Friday: 4.20 Ascot
Champagne Jacquart Handicap| 1m | 3yo+ | Sky

Ryan Moore has ridden 37 winners for the Amanda Perrett stable, but not one of them has come in the last five years and he bids to break his losing run for the yard on Rebel Territory.

Moore is due a change of luck for Perrett. Four of his 13 rides for her in the last five years finished second, two third and two fourth, so he couldn’t have gone closer without winning.

Rebel Territory looks an improving handicapper lining up against largely more exposed rivals and he recorded a good time when winning at Sandown on his reappearance in May, hinting he could have a big handicap in him this campaign.

He has run only once since, finishing sixth in the Golden Mile at Goodwood. That wasn’t a bad effort in the circumstances as he had to do a lot of work early from stall nine.

A low draw is always favoured in that race – the first two came from one and two – and Rebel Territory will appreciate the return to a more conventional track. The stiffer test will also suit.

Course form usually comes to the fore on the straight track at Ascot and Dubai Mirage comes here following a good fifth over course and distance last time, a race in which Bopedro was fourth. Bopedro has disappointed at the track since, but that was on the round course.

No horse has a better course record than ten-year-old Raising Sand, and on his best form he would outclass these. However, he has to bounce back from a below-par run at Newcastle.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Clive Cox, trainer of Positive
He made a very pleasing comeback at Goodwood after a lengthy absence and I feel he will surely be better for that. He competed at a higher level a couple of years ago and hopefully this is another step in the right direction.

William Stone, trainer of Dashing Roger
We need plenty of rain which I don't think they're going to get. He likes Ascot but the key to him is cut in the ground.

Roger Varian, trainer of Greatgadian
He's in good form and we're using this as a possible stepping stone to the Cambridgeshire later this month.

Amanda Perrett, trainer of Rebel Territory
He ran a really big race at Goodwood last time on ground that was quick enough for him and this ground should suit better. He should like the track and is in tremendous form – hopefully it will be a nice warm-up for the Cambridgeshire.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Notre Belle Bete
He's had a little holiday while the ground has been rock hard. There's a bit of rain around so he should go well given the ground but it's largely a bit of a prep run for the Cambridgeshire which I think is an ideal race for him. Greatgadian is probably the fitter of the two [King Power horses] at this stage.
Reporting by Charlie Huggins

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