Johnston to set gold standard with Akbar

13 April 2012

Britain's best-loved racehorse, Persian Punch, will set the Royal Ascot grandstand rafters ringing if he lands tomorrow's Gold Cup.

But unfortunately, there are some other aspirants challenging for his spot in the public's affections, who have one message for the ageing hero, "move over, grandad."

It is an uncomfortable fact that 'Persian' seems to have lost a bit of his former punch these days and could well be topped for speed in the Ladies' Day two-and-half-mile marathon.

The one David Elsworth's hero will have to look out for most is Akbar (3.45) from the Gold Cupproven stable of Mark Johnston, who won the glittering trophy last year with Royal Rebel and also in 1995 with the brilliant Double Trigger.

Akbar, beaten a short head by stable-companion Takamaka Bay in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes over 12 furlongs at the 2001 Royal meeting, demonstrated that he is a stayer with style when recently springing an upset in Sandown's Gold Cup trial, the Bonusprint Henry II Stakes over an extended two miles. Akbar was produced with a well-timed run by Richard Hills that day to take command just over a furlong out and then repel the renewed challenge of Invermark by half a length, with Persian Punch a further five lengths away in third. Royal Rebel, who stumbled coming out of the stalls, never really fired and finished eighth.

Johnston said: "Akbar was supposed to be my second string in that race, but he looked first class at the end of it. There is a lot to like about him and I expect him to go well in the Gold Cup."

Owned by banker Markus Graff and bred by the Aga Khan's Studs, the son of Doyoun could again oblige at attractive odds in a race that has all the makings of a cracker.

However, the Irish challenge of Vinnie Roe should not be dismissed lightly.

Dermot Wells' charge is a class horse, having already won two St Legers - the Irish and French - although on breedng there is a doubt about whether he will see out the trip of the Gold Cup.

His ante-post price, however, appears a trifle skinny considering that doubt and Akbar, each-way at the currently available 10-1, seems a more rewarding wager.

Despite all these considerations, Persian Punch is certainly not out of it. He is still racing consistently, and his trademark courage remains.

The Godolphin-owned Wareed, who broke the course record when beating Speedmaster on his seasonal reappearance at Longchamp last month, is sure to go well and there has been antepost support for Jardine's Lookout, third behind Royal Rebel and Persian Punch in last year's clash. But I see the result as Akbar to win from Vinnie Roe and Persian Punch.

In the opening race on tomorrow's card - the Ribblesdale Stakes - I'm relying on classic form and Shadow Dancing.

The Marcus Tregoning-trained filly ran a fine race to finish third to Kazzia and Quarter Moon in the Vodafone Oaks and a reproduction of that effort would be good enough.

The selection's previous efforts included success in the Cheshire Oaks which was also won by the dam, Salchow, who died giving birth to her. The Ascot terrain will also suit Shadow Dancing better than switch-back Epsom.

Systematic (4.20, nap) appears another likely winner for Mark Johnston in the King George V Handicap, in what should prove a memorable meeting for the North Yorkshire-based handler.

The son of Rainbow Quest ran on strongly to finish second to Lingo in a 10-furlong handicap on Oaks day at Epsom.

He was conceding 11lb to the Lynda Ramsden-trained victor that day and is certainly worth giving another chance to recapture his winning form.

Selections for tomorrow's Royal Ascot meeting: 3.45, 1 Akbar; 2 Vinnie Roe; 3 Persian Punch; 4.20, Systematic.

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