Duke Of Hazzard

Duke Of Hazzard did well to finish as close as he did in the Jersey Stakes, given that he raced prominently in a race in which they went fast from early, and in which the hold-up horses came to the fore. Paul Cole’s horse travelled well for Christophe Soumillon just behind the front rank, and he picked up well to hit the front inside the two-furlong marker. He lasted in front until the furlong pole, and he kept on well enough after he had been headed to finish fifth, beaten a total of four lengths. He was the only one of the first five home who raced handily, and the winner, Space Traveller, was second last early on.

Duke Of Hazzard was a big price here, but he finished third in the Chesham Stakes at this meeting last year on his only previous run at Ascot. He wasn’t beaten far by Persian King in the French 2000 Guineas on his second run this season, but he stepped forward here, back over seven furlongs. And he reportedly had his preparation for this race hampered by an abscess on his foot. He has had plenty of racing, but he can be marked up on the bare form of this run, and he could be under-rated when he runs next.

Ascot, 22^nd June 2019