Star three-year-old Ihtsahymn is expected to show sharp improvement second up at Ascot on Saturday and simply appears too classy for his rivals.
While unable to salute first up over the mile his performance still had plenty of merit when forced to sit wide throughout with the big weight.
Hitting the front early in the straight he worked to the line well only to be swamped late by the Grant Williams trained Respondent.
Forced to give the winner five kilograms on that occasion sees him extremely well placed on the weekend given he now meets the latter on level terms.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings Ihtsahymn sits almost 20 pounds clear on best form and given he is expected to relish the step up in trip he appears extremely hard to beat.
With as much as even money currently available looks a great opportunity for an overlay as we have him rated closer to a $1.70 chance and do expect him to start in the red on Saturday.
The Grant Williams trained Real Charm proved quite the eye catcher in the Listed Ascot Guineas last start and is expected to be very hard to beat in the Natasha Stakes on Saturday.
In what proved just her second defeat in just four starts the daughter of Reset has shown plenty of ability in her short career to date and is bred to relish the extra 400m on the weekend.
Currently installed a 3-1 chance is a more than fair price as we have narrowed the race down to just two other chances - My Sister Lil and Balmont Girl.
She is the only leading market hope who has drawn favourably which gives a strong push for her chances as she does appears to get the ideal run in transit and should prove very hard to beat.
The Simon Miller trained War Prince proved quite impressive saluting last start however he appears to face a far tougher task on Saturday when forced to jump from one of the widest alleys.
While able to prove successful last start there does appear to be more speed engaged in this affair and expect him to have to do too much work early.
On weight adjusted ratings both Rubin Sky and Inok both sit above him and hence are happy to play those two and work away from the favourite.
BEST FROM THE WEST:
BANKER: Race 7 #1 Ihtsahymn @ $2.00
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 6 #5 Real Charm @ $4.00
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 5 #5 War Prince @ $3.00
