With the Ascot Gold Cup quickly approaching, and flat racing legend Kyprios declaring his retirement a few months back, Aidan O’Brien’s Illinois currently sits as the 11/8 ante post favourite, but there is one horse in particular who could be worth punting over the heavy favourite.
In the green and red colours of the late Aga Khan, Frankel sire Candelari who has impressed over in France this season currently sits at 3/1 in the market, and could be a big contender for Illinois. Winning three out of his last four races over a mile and a half, trainer Francis Graffard will hope their promising horse can give a good race to Illinois.
Candelari who won the group one Prix Vicomtesse Vigier on the 25th of May ran a spectacular race, and looks like a great stayer over a mile and a half, and looks like he could do the business at Ascot on the 19th. With speed and promising stamina, along with being a classy horse, a good ride like we saw at Longchamp last month could offer Ryan Moore and Illinois some problems.
Clement Lecoeuvre who rode Candelari in the Vicomtesse Vigier in the absence of Mickael Barzalona said, “I'm just overwhelmed with how well it all went and how good he is.” following the massive group one win, and has massive faith in his chances at Royal Ascot. The major group one test means the horse is certainly ready and prepared for the Ascot Gold Cup, and is definitely a horse to keep an eye on.
With hopes of fast ground, and an ideally good start out in front to stay in a decent spot for Candelari, his acceleration abilities may be a problem for Illinois, and at a price of 3/1, could be the best bet of the week for punters. It is simply not a shot in the dark, but a horse who has already proven time and time again, and given he has a good start and can stay well, his speed and class may be too much for Illinois to handle.
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