Punters favour Rebel in rematch

/ Editor / 09 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

The rematch between Cockney Rebel and Dutch Art in the St James's Palace Stakes is potentially one of the most mouth-watering clashes of Royal Ascot week.

Cockney Rebel and Dutch Art won their respective races on either side of the wide expanse of Newmarket in the 2,000 Guineas with the former coming home a little more than two lengths ahead of his rival.

That form has been franked with the Geoff Huffer-trained Cockney Rebel going on to add the Irish Guineas to his collection with a battling success at the Curragh, but Peter Chapple Hyam, trainer of Dutch Art and Derby winner Authorized, maintains: "My horse has improved since they last met but is it enough to turn the tables?"

Betfair punters do not appear to think it is with Cockney Rebel trading at 2.58 ahead of Dutch Art (3) in the market for the big mile race on the opening day of the meeting.

Another interesting contestant is Aidan O'Brien's Astronomer Royal, who despite winning the French 2,000 Guineas can be backed at 28 on Betfair.