8:55am Wednesday 20th June 2007
By Flared Nostril
THE ROYAL Hunt Cup and the second day of Royal Ascot is a real cavalry-charge spectacular and the Flared Nostril reckons the answer is TRAFALGAR SQUARE.
Jack Akehurst's charge looks to have been laid out for this race and can defy a 5lb penalty for a tidy win last time out as he climbs up the ratings.
Ed Dunlop's Montpelier, who clocked a fast time but is a quirky sort, is a big danger and Minority Report and Eden Rock as others who should give you a run for your money, but take TRAFALGAR SQUARE to get into the winner's circle.
The meeting opens with the Jersey Stakes and it is hard to escape the claims of US RANGER, who was punted on for the English 2,000 Guineas and only ran out of puff up the hill at Headquarters. He can take advantage of the 5lb he receives from our failed Derby hope Strategic Prince, who even so may run him close .
The French have a talented horse in MANDURO who can take the prize across the Channel when lining up for the Prince of Wales Stakes.
Continuing the foreign theme ITALIAN GIRL gets the vote in the Sandringham Handicap.
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