Royal Ascot 2016: Outback Traveller among Saturday tips
Published:
David Metcalf | June 17, 2016
Outback Traveller weighted to go well in Wokingham
Outback Traveller has been a big eye-catcher in both his starts this season and looks decent each-way value in the Wokingham Stakes on a cracking final day card at Royal Ascot (17.00).
The gelding was generally disappointing last season following a fine reappearance when beaten just a head at Kempton off a mark of 105, but did run very well over 7f at this venue in September when a 2 1/2 length fourth of 16 to Majestic Moon off 103.
Outback Traveller is now able to race off a reduced rating of 100, and there was lots to like about his first run for trainer Robert Cowell at Haydock in April after leaving Jeremy Noseda.
Drop back in trip promises to suit
After being held-up at the rear travelling strongly, the five-year-old was denied a clear run when trying to make a move two from home before keeping on under tender handling to finish a 4 3/4 length seventh of 13 to Predominance.
Outback Traveller then ran far better than his finishing position suggests when 13th of 26 to Flash Fire in the valuable Victoria Cup over 7f at this track, challenging on the bridle two from home before being unable to find an extra approaching the last and weakening to be beaten seven lengths.
Judged on that run the son of Bushranger is a fascinating contender now dropped down to 6f, and Cowell also has a tremendous record with his sprinters.
Best Of Times the Wolferton bet
Best Of Times can take advantage of what looks a lenient mark to land the Wolferton Handicap (15.05).
The Godolphin owned colt had some smart form to his name last year, winning three times and finishing an excellent 1 1/2 length runner-up to Storm The Stars in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood.
Best Of Times, who is trained by Saeed bin Suroor, was then off the track for 12 months before putting in an eye-catching return to action at Chester.
Group performer in the making
Although only ninth of 12 to Sound Advice, the four-year-old was slowly away and constantly denied a clear run up the home straight to be beaten just 4 3/4 lengths.
Best Of Times finished full of running, and it was an effort which suggested the son of Dubawi was ahead of his handicap mark of 105.
This race is also often won by a Group performer masquerading as a handicapper, and Best Of Times fits that bill.
Saturday tips
14.30: Churchill
15.05: Best Of Times (NB)
15.40: Exosphere (NAP)
16.20: The Tin Man
17.00: Outback Traveller (E/W)
17.35: Clondaw Warrior
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