Charlie Hills’ William Hill blog: Dark Shift the one to beat at Ascot

Recent runners

Equilateral ran well at the Curragh and travelled nicely throughout the race. I thought maybe he ran just a little bit flat, but there was plenty to build on and so we’ll maybe have a look at Goodwood next week.

I was obviously really chuffed to get some black type with Lady Alara. We were just concerned about the draw, so we had to bide our time a bit and give her a chance. But the way she stayed on to finish third was a really good effort behind two smart types. We’re delighted and it’s very much onwards and upwards. It’s great to get some black type for a homebred filly.

Newmarket, Saturday

Menai Bridge goes in the 1m2f handicap (2:32pm). There are not many runners, so we thought we should give it a go really. We were half looking at Goodwood next week, but it’s a small field so we decided it was better taking on three rivals rather than 15.

Ascot, Saturday

Dark Shift is moving terrific ahead of the International Stakes (3.00pm). He’s in great nick and we are very happy with him. A draw in 10 is absolutely fine and the drop back to seven furlongs shouldn’t be a problem. In fact it might even suit him better.

We all know he loves Ascot and this has always been the plan since the Royal Hunt Cup, so we’re really looking forward to it. William [Buick] has won him before and we’re very hopeful he’ll go close again.

Glorious Goodwood

We’ll have plenty of runners next week with the likes of Pogo in the Lennox and Galeron in the Vintage some of the ones we’re looking forward to. I’ll be back next week with my views on them all.