Bastiman believes Border class can tell
Robin Bastiman believes 2006 Stewards’ Cup winner Borderlescott is the “classiest horse” in this year’s line-up ahead of his bid for back-to-back victories in the £100,000 cavalry charge.
Having shown up well behind Group One winners Sakhee’s Secret and Soldier’s Tale on his last two starts, the five-year-old reverts to handicap company in Goodwood’s Bluesquare.com-sponsored sprint.
And while he is 6lb higher in the weights than when scoring last year, Bastiman is expecting another bold show from his stable star.
He said: “He’s been fine since Newmarket and he’s probably just not quite Group One class – he’s just behind that by the looks of it.
“He was only beaten three or four lengths the last twice though and he’s really well – he’s ready for it.
“Whichever way you look at it, I think he’s a Group Two or Group Three horse.”
Borderlescott will break from stall seven and Bastiman is cautiously optimistic his chances will not be compromised from that low starting point.
“We had wanted to be drawn high, but as far as I can see most of the hold-up horses are drawn high and we are up with pace,” he added.
“I’m quite happy with that at the moment and I hope we’ll get a nice lead and do them all at the death.
“Of course it’s a difficult race to win, but for me he’s the classiest horse in there and I think he’s a Group horse running in a handicap.
“If we get that luck in running I think he must be knocking about pretty close.”
Viking Spirit bids for a high-profile follow-up after winning at Chepstow.
Walter Swinburn’s charge made the cut by virtue of a 3lb penalty and his handler has his fingers crossed the all-important gaps appear when they are required.
He said: “He had a two-year period of rotten bad luck and we were beginning to wonder if that was ever going to change.
“We missed getting into the Wokingham by two and we had been getting him ready for the Victoria Cup but he scoped badly before that.
“But it all changed at Chepstow and let’s hope the luck can continue now,” Swinburn told At The Races.
Viking Spirit will break from stall 22 and his trainer is more than satisfied with that berth.
“I wasn’t there (when the draw was made) but I had a representative and I was on the other end of the line and we were delighted with the draw,” he added.
“He’s been in good form for some time and we just needed the luck to change.
“I’m pretty hopeful that he’ll run a big race tomorrow.”
Something goes in search of a deserved big handicap win after finishing fourth in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot and third in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket.
On both occasions he was ridden by the in-form Johnny Murtagh, who will be back on board at the weekend.
Murtagh said: “I think he has got a good draw (3). He is a fast horse and a race like that should suit him.
“He has run very well in two competitive handicaps this season so he is battle-hardened already and I’m really looking forward to riding him again.
“He always runs his heart out for you and he deserves to win one of these big races.”
Ger Lyons runs Group Three-placed filly That’s Hot, who returns from a two-month break.
The County Meath trainer said: “She was very unlucky not to win the Ballyogan last time and was pipped on the line in a Listed race at Cork so she deserves to get her head in front but this is a big ask.
“Richard Quinn will be having his first ride for me but he has years of experience at the track and that is good enough for me.”
Bidding for a hat-trick is Machinist, who represents sprint king David Nicholls, trainer of 2005 winner Gift Horse.
“He’s in good form and has never really had an issue about ground,” Nicholls said.
“Silvestre (De Sousa, jockey) gets on well with him and hopefully he’ll end up in the winner’s enclosure.”
