Quito on course for Ascot bid

14 April 2012

David Chapman is going for a big-race double with his Tote Ayr Gold Cup hero Quito in Saturday's £70,000 Tote Trifecta Handicap at Ascot.

The 70-year-old Yorkshireman notched his biggest training success after 37 years with a licence when Quito stormed home to land Scotland's biggest sprint last weekend and reports that the bargain basement six-year-old is all set to shoulder a 5lb penalty as he bids for more of the Tote's money.

"He's a tough customer and has come back from Ayr in great form, so the plan is to go to Ascot," he said.

Corals make Quito a 10-1 chance to complete the double, and Chapman can take heart from the fact that fancied contenders like Desert Opal and Tychy need others to be withdrawn to avoid being ballotted out.

Chapman added: "Top handicaps are always very hard to win, but I think Quito is just as good over seven furlongs as he is over six and we'd love to see some rain for him."

What the weather does over the next few days is also occupying connections of the market leaders for Saturday's featured Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Russian Rhythm and Falbrav are both regarded as fast ground specialists, while Godolphin's Simon Crisford feels that further rain on top of the showers which fell at Ascot yesterday would also be against Dubai Destination.

Rain would be no hindrance to Soviet Song, who will have the assistance of a new rider for Saturday's race after it was confirmed that in-form Jamie Spencer is to take over from Oscar Urbina.

Urbina enjoyed the biggest success of his career aboard James Fanshawe's filly in the Fillies' Mile at Ascot 12 months ago, but signs that a change was in the offing emerged when Spencer partnered her at exercise last week. A treble for the Irishman at Kempton yesterday included two winners for Fanshawe, who has confirmed that Spencer's purple patch has earned him the nod for a filly who looked ready to peak when staying on strongly for fourth behind Nebraska Tornado in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp recently.

Meanwhile, the countdown to America's hugely valuable autumn campaign has continued with Mineshaft and Moon Ballad working at Belmont Park ahead of Saturday's Jockey Club Gold Cup.

The Breeders' Cup Classic favourite Mineshaft delighted connections by working five furlongs in 61.25 seconds.

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