Saturday Racing Tips: Back Ruler of the World to rule Champions Day at Ascot

Anyone who has been in their town centre on a Saturday night after closing time will be aware of the bedlam that ensues, but unfortunately aggression in the High Street doesn't often extend itself to bookmakers these days. 

However, it's no-one else's business than their own I suppose - a private concern that they don't have to comment upon or justify to anyone, let alone the unquestioning media - so we move on. 

But I just have a feeling that even the most conservative of bookmakers will be out to get the front two in the Champion Stakes at 16:05, in their shops on Saturday morning. It wouldn't surprise were one or two to offer 6-4 on Cirrus Des Aigles.

So maybe we will get that High Street sparring tomorrow morning, after all - and hopefully, it isn't simply the unedifying hangover of 24-hour opening. Actually, does that still exist?

Anyway, I digress.

One bookmaker is swerving 10-11 Cirrus Des Aigles at the time of writing. But even at the current, industry-best, price of 2.3811/8 on Betfair, I struggle to think that many will be tempted in. 

However, there are some less-than-confident vibes doing the rounds about Farhh - though they are not reflected at all in the Betfair market today, admittedly - which muddies the waters somewhat.

But, whichever way you view this race, it has the most attractive shape to it and I think you simply have to take on the front two. 
Both have excellent form claims but Cirrus Des Aigles is priced up more on last season's exploits to my mind, and Farhh has had a few niggles since winning the Lockinge back in May.

They are surely ripe for taking on, either if you are a layer, or a backer of the opposition.

I am in the latter camp this time, and I cannot resist an investment on Ruler Of The World and Hunter's Light at 9.08/1 and 34.033/1 respectively.

There was surprise when Ryan Moore got on board Ruler Of The World. But as we have already touched upon above, some decisions are as private as they are collective and quite why he did I guess we will never know, unless any of the parties involved in the decision tell us.

But I don't think that you have to be Inspector Morse to deduce that Moore simply fancies the Derby winner more than Hillstar.

And I think he has made the right call. 

A lot of people think that he missed out narrowly in the Niel and got into trouble in the Arc because of his lack of tactical speed over 1m4f, and that will be even more exposed over 1m2f against pacier types here.

They could be right, but I am willing to pay to find out. He surprised Moore with the turn of foot he showed when winning at Epsom, he simply got into trouble in his Arc trial, and events overtook him in the Arc, rather than a lack of pace, as he travelled really well through that race.

I have a feeling that we will see him given a more prominent, aggressive ride, over this trip and I think testing ground on this stiffer track can see him win.

It is not often that you can back a dual Group 1 winner at 33-1+ - albeit a Group 1 winner in Italy and Dubai - but that is the case with Hunter's Light.

Now, Mickael Barzalona has his work well and truly cut on this horse, as it is prone to hang badly left, as he did when throwing away a winning chance in the Arlington Million last time. 

But I suspect that the raw talent is there for him to go close here, and it is no surprise that a hood and a visor are on. If he doesn't end up in the stands, I think he could run a massive race, as trip and ground should be ideal for him.

Moore may have got off Hillstar but he rides for that owner-trainer combination on Waila, and she is worth chancing at 9.08/1 or bigger in the 14:55.

I don't think that this is a strong Group 1 at all, and Waila looked potentially top class when bolting up by 10 lengths at Newmarket on fast ground in July. 

She has been off since then, but at least she comes here a fresher filly than most, and the ease in the ground is not expected to inconvenience her. She is the most unexposed in this field, and actually doesn't have that much to find with the likes of Talent on the bare form of that Newmarket win.

I can't get excited by Estimate at around the 2-1 mark in the opener, even though she is by far the likeliest winner and this race is full of exposed stayers. But if there is a horse that can improve past her it is Eye Of The Storm. 

Back him at 9.08/1 or bigger in the 13:45.

He had the class to finish second in a good Sandown Classic Trial earlier in the season, and has proved that he stays and acts in testing conditions since then.

This is his stiffest task yet, in terms of class of opposition and stamina, but if there is a horse to lower the Queen's colours I suspect it is Aidan O'Brien's 3yo.

I like Maxios in the QEII and wouldn't put anyone him at around the 5-1 mark, and I was strongly tempted by Jack Dexter at around the same price in the sprint, but I don't want to throw too many darts at the punting board today, so I will pass.

I may have a personal each-way double to soften the pain if they both do win, though. Provided I can get on - rather than getting it on - in the High Street on Saturday morning, that is...

Recommendations

Back Eye Of The Storm at 9.08/1 or bigger in the 13:45 at Ascot 
Back Waila at 9.08/1 or bigger in the 14:55 at Ascot
Back Ruler Of The World at 9.08/1 or bigger in 16:05 at Ascot
Back Hunter's Light at 36.035/1 or better in 16:05 at Ascot