LOGICALLY speaking, this racing game is a biological sport — it’s all down to breeding.
And CHARLES DARWIN (2.30) is bred to be one of the elite.
He’s a son of brilliant sprinter No Nay Never and a brother to Blackbeard, who was fourth in the Coventry as a two-year-old and won the Group 1 Middle Park at three.
Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day three at Ascot[/caption]
Charles Darwin has three runs under his belt, which is a big help coming to a stage like Royal Ascot. He won his last two starts pretty comfortably and sets the standard for this five-furlong dash.
I had the choice of SERIOUS CONTENDER (3.05), Propose and Light As Air in the King Charles Stakes. They are all nice sorts but I decided on Serious Contender who has been put away since winning at Leopardstown on his reappearance this season. He’s in good shape.
Light Of Air was probably unlucky not to beat Serious Contender the last time at Leopardstown and the step up in trip will suit him.
In the Ribblesdale, I’m on GARDEN OF EDEN (3.40) who won a Listed race at Naas and is a tough filly who will be suited by the step up in trip.
She found plenty for pressure and showed a good attitude, so I’m looking forward to getting back on her. Stablemate Ecstatic is a likeable filly too. She’s got lots of ability and we’re yet to see the best of her.
Hopefully, ILLINOIS (4.20) can prove to be a good replacement for Kyprios in the Gold Cup.
Illinois has never gone this far but I’ve won it on a couple of four-year-olds who came into the race with the same profile. He won the Queen’s Vase here last year, is a winner of the St Leger, won well at Longchamp on his final start last season and then made a winning return at Chester this year. He gives every impression he’ll stay and likes quick ground.
Candelaria is another four-year-old who is open to improvement, while Trawlerman has been here and got the T-shirt so is a solid challenger.
It’s not quite as hot as it can get in the SERENGETI (5.00) but he takes his chance in the Ascot Stakes. He made the running in the French Guineas but faded. This is a drop in class but it’s hard to know his level.
TRINITY COLLEGE (5.35) comes into this meeting off the back of a very good fourth in the French Derby and has every chance of winning this on all known form.
Detain finished just ahead of him in that, so is a worthy favourite. Reyenzi is an outsider to look out for.
I’m riding ROI DE FRANCE (6.10) for John Gosden in the last. He’s got to carry plenty of weight but has run well in some very hot handicaps. He is capable of making the frame.
Ryan Moore is a World Pool ambassador
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