2.30 Ascot 1M 4F Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3 ) Sat Oct 1st

On Saturday we have some top quality racing from Ascot , Newmarket & Redcar ,featuring seven class one races .Going concentrate on the group 3 Cumberland Lodge stakes at 2.30 .

9 runners declared for the G3 Cumberland Lodge stakes at Ascot .On ground described as good ,though showers are forecast.The three main contenders are Arab Spring , Kings Fete & Western Hymn .

ARAB SPRING : Won 6 out 11 ,including winning two group 3 races . Returned to form last time ,winning the G3 September stakes on poly track at Kempton.Has shown some solid form in this grade ,over last two seasons .Also has excellent strike rate over this 12F trip (11411) .Solid claims ,acts on soft or G/F .

KINGS FETE :Won 4 out 10 .Been in excellent form recently,winning last two starts in G3 company ,including winning the Geoffrey Freer stakes last time at Newbury .Obvious claims ,though this looks stronger G3 contest ,best form on good or G/F .

WESTERN HYMN : Won 6 out 17 , including winning four group races over 1M 2F .Hasn't looked quite as good this season ,though has finished 2ND three times ,including finishing close 2ND in Brigadier Gerard at Sandown ,behind Time Test.The return to this longer trip ,not certain to suit .Best form on good/soft .

VERDICT : On official ratings Western Hymn is 4LB clear ,and will be suited returning to group three company ,though has always looked better horse over 10 furlongs .Should be thereabouts ,though is passed over .

ARAB SPRING looks solid, and ticks all the boxes .Having won 4 out 5 over 1M 4F and 2 out 2 over the trip in group 3 company .Also Looked back to his best last time ,when winning the September stakes at Kempton l in good style..Odds around 10/3 look very fair value .

ARAB SPRING 2.30 ASCOT 
£80 WIN @ 10/3 WILLIAM HILLS*
(SECOND SP 7-2 LOSS £80.00 )