Can anyone peg back this Group 1 winner who missed Royal Ascot? Analysis and key quotes for the Chipchase Stakes

The major question before the Chipchase is the same as last year: where were you at Royal Ascot?

Last year, veteran Kinross was a short price for the race on his seasonal reappearance. The assumption was he would not be fit, which he confounded by running Montassib to half a length.

This year it is Kind Of Blue's turn, and the question is asked even more intensely. Kind Of Blue is more of an Ascot horse than Kinross; he won the Champions Sprint in October for which he carries a 7lb penalty here. He also has a run behind him this season, although it told us little as he made a horlicks of the start at Chantilly.

If Kind Of Blue was not ready to run at Ascot last week, that is fine. James Fanshawe has a whole season to think about, but for punters who are being asked to take a short price about him today, 'he was not ready for the perfect race a week ago' is not a satisfying answer.

Kind Of Blue (red cap): won the Champions Sprint last OctoberCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Finding one to oppose him is not a doddle. Spycatcher is solid under conditions like these. He was beaten a neck in this race two years ago, yet he routinely comes up short against the best sprinters.

Ferrous suits these conditions, too. He ran a 7lb career best on Racing Post Ratings last time over course and distance. That was in handicap company. Alyanaabi was running in Group 1 mile races this time last year, so he also needs to show he can live with the pace of a Group-race sprint.

It may be worth asking the inverse of the original question, this time to Annaf's connections. Why did you run at Ascot? Again, there is an obvious answer: it was a Group 1, under suitable conditions. But he is made for the Chipchase.

Annaf thrives over a stiff six furlongs or an easy seven. He is arguably best on the all-weather, with career form figures on synthetics of 7121423123112. Backing him each-way also has the advantage of skirting around the question posed at the very top, just in case Kind Of Blue does a Kinross and proves to be ready.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Richard Brown, racing adviser for owners Wathnan Racing, owners of Kind Of Blue
His first start of the season didn't go to plan. The horse next to him reared just as they were about to let them go and he missed the break by a very long way. We missed Ascot because we had Lazzat for the race and we thought we'd come here and give him a chance to rebuild. It's a hot race and he's got a penalty, so he'll have to be at his best.

Mick Appleby, trainer of Annaf
He's going there with a very good chance. He's come out of Ascot well and he's run well at the track before.

Barry Mahon, racing manager to Juddmonte, owners of Array
We’ve struggled to get him back after he missed his entire three-year-old campaign. His first two runs have been okay, though. The trip at Newcastle will be a bit short for him, but Andrew [Balding] has something in mind at Goodwood and is keen to get another race into him beforehand. The favourite looks rock-solid, but hopefully he’ll be in the first three and it will give us something to build on going into Goodwood.

Ferrous: has won his last three starts on the all-weatherCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Jack Channon, trainer of Ferrous
He's in great form. It was the plan after his last win to come straight here. We freshened him up after his Newcastle win and he's been trained for the day. We know he loves the all-weather. Obviously, it's a step up into Group company from handicaps but he deserves a chance at it.

Harry Herbert, racing manager for Highclere Thoroughbreds, owners of Spycatcher
He's in very good form and we've just been waiting for the ground for him. As there's been no rain, this has been the plan. He loves the track and has run several very good races in defeat in this race. Kind Of Blue will be a tough nut to crack but our fellow seems as good as ever this season, so we're hoping for a good shout.
Reporting by Maddy Playle

Read more of Saturday's previews:

2.25 York: 'He's a great addition to the team' - can Wathnan scoop the Criterion Stakes with another big-money recruit? 

2.55 Curragh: 'He loves the track' - who fancies his runner to land International Stakes run in memory of trainer Kevin Prendergast? 

3.00 York: 'The track should suit him and he should have a big chance' - key analysis and quotes for five-furlong Dash 

3.15 Newcastle: 'He's an unexposed stayer who could do some damage off his mark' - Who's Glen could be step ahead of handicapper in Northumberland Plate 

3.30 Curragh: Fascinating Pretty Polly in store as Kalpana attempts to concede 12lb to Oaks runner-up Whirl  

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