Royal Ascot 2016: Churchill primed for Chesham Stakes battle
David Metcalf | June 17, 2016
Churchill can collect in Chesham Stakes
Churchill was a big eye-catcher on debut and looks the answer to a fascinating renewal of the Listed 7f Chesham Stakes which opens proceedings on the final day of Royal Ascot (14.30).
The Aidan O’Brien trained colt finished a 2 1/2 length third of 11 to Van Der Dechen in a 6f maiden on soft ground at the Curragh, running very green and learning all the time as the race went on.
Churchill was very considerately handled, and Pedestal who finished 6 1/2 lengths behind him in fifth ran a stormer when third in the Windsor Castle Stakes at this meeting earlier in the week to give the form a boost.
It was an effort which suggested there was much better to come from Churchill, and the superbly bred son of Galileo is sure to appreciate the step up in trip.
O’Brien’s juveniles also tend to come on significantly for their first outing, and with Ryan Moore in the saddle Churchill can provide the Ballydoyle handler with his third winner of the race.
Frankel duo feared most
Cunco and Frankuus are both sons of the mighty Frankel and made the perfect start to their careers when winning on debut.
The former is trained by John Gosden and showed a smart turn of foot when coming from off the pace to beat Isomer by 3/4 of a length at Newbury, and the fourth home Barrington has since come out and bolted up by six lengths.
Cunco was well on top at the finish and is a scopey sort who looks an above average prospect and a big player in the hands of Rab Havlin.
Frankuus impressive at Haydock
Frankuus hails from the yard of Mark Johnston and there was lots to like about his success in a 7f contest at Haydock earlier in the month.
After showing plenty of speed to race close up, Frankuus took up the running at the furlong marker and only had to be pushed put to score comfortably by 1 3/4 lengths.
It was a most taking display, especially as he showed distinct signs of greenness and edged left when hitting the front.
Frankuus is sure to have learnt plenty from that run, and looks a strong galloping sort who is sure to make his presence felt in this line-up.
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Coral’s top tip: There was lots to like about Churchill’s debut run, and he rates a solid bet to get the better of Frankel’s sons Cunco and Frankuus to provide trainer Aidan O’Brien with a third winner of the Chesham Stakes.
