What could go wrong for Astro King? Graeme Rodway reckons he has found something

4.05 York
John Smith's Cup Handicap | 1m2½f | 3yo+ | ITV/RTV

There appeared to be a definite advantage to race on the stands’ side of the track on the straight course on the first two days at Royal Ascot, but the Royal Hunt Cup was different.

As is normal for a big meeting, there were quite a few unlucky losers, but I’ve heard the name Astro King mentioned more than any other, and that’s probably because backers thought he was home and dry when he clearly won the race on the stands’ side in the Royal Hunt Cup.

Astro King dominated his side, but when the camera angle changed, it became clear he was a long way behind Real World, who charged home on the far side to win by a wide margin.

Sir Michael Stoute won this race in 2017 with Ballet Concerto for the same owner, following a close fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup, and Astro King ran better at Ascot.

The return to this longer trip should also suit Astro King. He hasn’t shown his best over this far yet, but both half-siblings stayed well and one scored over hurdles. What could go wrong?

Maybe the draw could be an issue as stall 14 isn’t ideal. When adjusted for non-runners, the record of horses drawn in stalls 12 or higher in 14-runner-plus handicaps over this trip at York since the start of 2016 reads just 1-147, and a £1 bet on each would have lost £121.

That could prove a significant statistic in this race as two of the other market leaders, Surrey Pride (24) and Aaddeey (22), are also drawn wide and could be left in a tricky early position.

Surrey Pride came from stall six when he won a course-and-distance handicap at the Dante meeting and evidently has a tougher task from this draw in a stronger race off 6lb higher.

There aren’t many fancied runners who have got lucky with the draw, but Ascension is one.

Ascension was behind Astro King in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot and has often ruined his chance by pulling hard, but he should get plenty of cover in this big field from stall six and his pedigree provides optimism for the longer trip. His dam won a Listed race over this far.

Andrea Atzeni won this back-to-back in 2013 and 2014, including on Farraaj for Ascension’s trainer Roger Varian, and Farraaj was in the Hunt Cup too before being a late withdrawal.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Tuite eyeing another York payday

The best day of Joe Tuite's career came in 2015 when Litigant won the Ebor and the trainer is upbeat about the chances of Surrey Pride in York's other major handicap.

"He's a good horse and we've prepared for this race since he won at the Dante meeting," said the Lambourn-based Tuite.

Surrey Pride (near side): this race has been a long-term planCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"We took a bit of a gamble that we'd get in, but we knew he was on the right mark to try to win it.

"I'm very happy with him and his prep's gone perfectly; his last bits of work have been brilliant. I could have done with a better draw than stall 24, but there's nothing I can do about that and everything else is perfect."

Things will be even better if the smart four-year-old captures the £125,000 contest.

"I like York and it's been a kind track to me, and we're going for the prize-money as it's poor everywhere else, but York make the effort," Tuite added.

What they say

William Haggas, trainer of Al Zaraqaan
He's in good form but it looks a tough renewal and his draw in stall 20 is not ideal.

Roger Varian, trainer of Ascension
We're looking forward to stepping him up to ten furlongs for the first time as he shapes as if he should get it, although we don't want any more rain for him as it might turn into a slog, which could test his stamina.

Jim Goldie, trainer of Nicholas T
He's a contender. There are the usual improvers in it, but if they go an honest pace and there's a headwind we've got a big chance. If there's a tailwind up the straight, we've probably got no chance because we'll be closest at the finish but can't catch them. I imagine if he does the last four furlongs as quickly as he came up the straight at Newcastle, he'll go very close. He's no slouch.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Saeed Suhail, owner of Astro King
I think there's a big one in him and he's an improving horse, who was second in the Hunt Cup, having come up what we thought was the better side, but that was the race with the first winner up the far side. We're hopeful, although I'd rather he was drawn more inside, but 14 isn't too bad. He'll have a good chance with a bit of luck.

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power, owners of Good Birthday and Johnny Drama
Johnny Drama has been off with an injury since his good form on the all-weather. It was a bit fast for Good Birthday last time. They'll both like the softer ground and have each-way chances.
Reporting by James Burn

Read more Saturday previews:

3.15 Newmarket: History suggests you should favour unexposed juveniles over Ascot also-rans

3.35 Ascot: Hurricane Ivor out to gain first British win after Sandown farce

3.50 Newmarket: Is Britannia hero Perotto a handicap blot? Graeme Rodway gives his verdict

4.25 Newmarket: Cieren Fallon bids to follow in legendary July Cup footsteps with Oxted

Download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile or search Racing Post app