Perfect ending? Gosden and Dettori target Balmoral success with Argentello

4.30 Ascot
Balmoral Handicap | 1m | 3yo+ | ITV/RUK

John Gosden and Frankie Dettori could cap a potentially magnificent Saturday with success for Argentello in the Balmoral Handicap.

Gosden has four short-price favourites earlier on the card – Dettori rides three of them – and saddles the progressive three-year-old, who won at Kempton on Tuesday evening, in the concluding £250,000 straight mile contest.

Lord Glitters, a QEII contender today, won this race 12 months ago, and while it would be premature to predict such a future for Argentello, that his connections have opted for a quick turnaround suggests there may be more left in the tank.

Gosden, who is also represented by Tricorn, said: "Argentello has not got a great draw but won well the other night at Kempton and has come out of that well.

"Tricorn didn't run that well in the Cambridgeshire and needs to bounce back, but he has form on soft."

Raising Sand powering clear at Ascot a fortnight agoCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Penalty may not stop Raising Sand

Nicola Currie will become the first female jockey to win on Champions Day if Raising Sand can follow up his comprehensive success in the Challenge Cup at Ascot under a 6lb penalty.

Osborne, who also runs Hathal, said of Raising Sand: "Everybody knows he's a significantly better horse on soft ground. I thought he looked like he won with a bit in hand a fortnight ago. I think he tends to save his best for the straight track at Ascot and I think his mile form is just as good as his seven-furlong form. He's got a big chance."

Cambridgeshire form to the fore

Via Via finished third in the Cambridgeshire, with seven reopposing rivals in behind. His trainer James Tate, who has booked Ryan Moore, said: "He's in great form, loves a straight mile and has his preferred ground. We expect a big run."

Flaming Spear, Kynren and Safe Voyage are others prominent in the market for the 20-runner handicap.

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