Technician well backed and Stradivarius on the drift with Ascot ground now soft

The ground at Ascot is now soft as it continues to rain ahead of day three of the royal meeting.

Ascot reported 11mm of rain since racing on Wednesday at 10am, which led to the going being changed from good to good to soft. But a further 4mm has seen another change, with the ground now soft – and there is more rain forecast.

On the straight course, the GoingStick reads 7.1 in the centre and 7.0 on the stands' side and fair rail. On the round course it measures at a much more testing 5.5, making conditions tougher for runners in the Golden Gates Handicap (1.15), Wolferton Stakes (1.50) and Gold Cup (3.35).

Rain is forecast to continue throughout Thursday and the testing conditions have instilled confidence in backers of proven soft-ground lover Technician, who has been cut from 9-2 into 100-30, and is as short as 11-4 with some firms, for the Gold Cup.

The Martyn Meade-trained runner won a first Group 1 on heavy ground last season, while his previous best RPRs were on very soft and soft going.

The testing conditions are not in favour of Stradivarius, who is looking for a third consecutive win in the race. He has drifted from 4-9 to 4-5 with William Hill.

Gold Cup: wet forecast could threaten Stradivarius in hat-trick bid

The going change also plays into the hands of Sir Dragonet, who has been backed into 9-4 favouritism for the Wolferton Stakes (1.50). He enjoyed the best success of his career on good to soft ground when an emphatic winner of the Chester Vase last season.

There are five ground-related non-runners on the card and the first race at Ascot is off at 1.15.

Get It, fourth in Wednesday's Windsor Castle Stakes, was also confirmed as a non-runner for tomorrow's Norfolk Stakes.

The ground was also changed from good to soft at Newmarket ahead of its eight-race card starting at 1.00. Redcar and Fairyhouse also stage racing on Thursday.

Royal Ascot non-runners

1.15: 3 Laser Show (temperature), 12 Dogged (going), 14 Cemhaan (heat in leg)
1.50: 1 Dubai Warrior (going), 16 Bubble And Squeak (going)
2.25: 3 Fleeting Prince (going)
3.00: 8 Concessions (going)
4.10: 10 Johan (self cert: blood analysis not normal), 17 Grove Ferry (lame)
4.40: 3 Festive Star (going), 7 Graceful Magic (going)

Read previews ahead of Thursday's Royal Ascot action:

Golden Gates Handicap: Acquitted out to advertise Palace Pier form

Wolferton Stakes: Richard Birch believes recently-gelded runner will go close

Jersey Stakes: Richard Birch expects an unexposed improver to strike

Chesham Stakes: analysis and trainer quotes on the race Pinatubo won last year

Crisford team in familiar territory with Finest Sound in Britannia bid

Sandringham: Frankie Dettori and Saeed bin Suroor reunited with Dubai Love

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