Inside track on the Challenge Cup as Raising Sand bids to enhance course record

3.10 Ascot
bet365 Challenge Cup (Heritage Handicap) | 7f | 3yo+ | ITV4/Sky

Ascot specialist Raising Sand heads a typically competitive field in the Challenge Cup, a race that has produced its share of Group 1 winners including Librisa Breeze and Accidental Agent.

Trained by Jamie Osborne, Raising Sand, successful 12 months ago, has Pattern form to his name when third in the Group 3 Superior Mile last time and is joined by fellow course ace Ripp Orf, who won the Victoria Cup contest here last year.

John Gosden last won this 7f race in 2012 with Skilful and saddles the unexposed Casanova, who has won his last two starts in comfortable fashion since being gelded. In short, the old guard leads the way but there are several unexposed runners to put the cat among the pigeons.

What they say

Jamie Osborne, trainer of Raising Sand
He's in great form, everybody knows the key to his best form is slow ground, which we've been lucky with. We're trying to win it off 109, which is an enormous ask, but he's 109 for a reason. I think his form this year looks better than last year's but it's going to be tough.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Qaysar
He's been in good shape since winning at Newbury last time. He's off a career-high mark but I'm hopeful he can run a nice race.

David O'Meara, trainer of Escobar, Summerghand, So Beloved, Cold Stare and Remarkable
Escobar ran well last time and was only narrowly beaten in the Balmoral Handicap last year, while Summerghand ran a very good race in the Ayr Gold Cup. We hope the step up to seven furlongs should suit but we're not sure about the ground. So Beloved is getting on now but Angus Villiers is excellent value for his 7lb claim. Cold Stare will love the ground, as will Remarkable but he hasn't hit the form we expected this season.

David Barron, trainer of Kynren
He seems in good form and the ground will be a lot more suitable than it has been so hopefully he will run well.

David Elsworth, trainer of Ripp Orf
It wouldn't be to his advantage if it kept raining but he's in fine form and we're optimistic he's the one to beat.

Silvestre de Sousa, rider of Battered
He won on soft ground when trained by William Haggas, so there are grounds for optimism, but it's a question of whether he is up to winning a race like this. It looks really tough with the likes of Ripp Orf and Raising Sand running.

Casanova: represents John Gosden in the Challenge CupCredit: Alan Crowhurst

John Gosden, trainer of Casanova
He should handle the ground and would have an each-way chance in a competitive race.

Henry Candy, trainer of Greenside
The horse is in great form and will love the ground. It's his first attempt at seven furlongs but the ground should be fine.

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