Jamie Spencer: “1m on soft ground are his conditions, and hopefully he can improve on his York run”

Ascot – Champions Day

4.15pm

Hortzadar

I suppose you could say he was a little disappointing at York last time, having gone into that race on the back of successes at Ripon and Goodwood. I suppose it could be a case of the handicapper having caught up with him after upping him 7lb for those two victories and he hasn’t run up to his best in his previous Ascot starts, but 1m on soft ground are his ideal conditions and hopefully he can improve upon that York run last time.

Jamie's thoughts on the rest of the card

1.20pm: I think punters should keep it simple here. Stradivarius didn’t have much of a race in the Arc and wasn’t punished when his chance was gone, he has a good draw, and we know he handles the ground. He faces an inferior field here and should be very hard to beat.

1.55pm:  I like Art Power, who won impressively at the track in June, albeit off a mark of just 97 in a handicap. He is an improving 3yo with a little to find on the book, notably with the likes of Dream Of Dreams, but ground and track form count for plenty at this time of year.

2.30pm: Wonderful Tonight has been a revelation this season. The fact that she won on heavy over 1m6f at Longchamp a fortnight ago bodes well for what will be a stamina test over 1m4f on this ground. Her run-style will also suit Ascot, and she is the one I like here.

3.05pm: Palace Pier is a boring selection but he’s had an easy season and comes here a fresh horse. He proved he handles the ground when winning the Jacques le Marois last time out and he stays a mile well. I can’t see any of the others giving him much of a race, to be honest.

3.40pm: Mishriff has had a similar season to Palace Pier, as he’s lightly-raced and has proved he handles the ground. He is an improving 3yo getting the weight allowance from Magical and co, and there’s a chance he could be even better than we have seen already.