Ante-Post Focus

Gary Nutting has tipped up the following winners over the summer in his Ante-Post Focus column:

20-1 Wizard Of Eye, Victoria Cup 
12-1 Daiquiri Bay, Copper Horse Handicap
25-1 Align The Stars, Northumberland Plate
14-1 Daiquiri Bay, Ebor Handicap
16-1 Pina Sonata, Sceptre Fillies' Stakes

Published 05/11

A year ago I had MASACCIO in mind for the Coral Gold Cup only for the news to break that he was out for the season after suffering an injury setback.

Twelve months on Alan King’s nine-year-old has just won a Pertemps qualifier over hurdles at Newbury which means he can return to the track for its showpiece handicap chase in 23 days’ time without incurring a penalty.

Largely unfancied for today’s race - as low as 12-1 in yesterday’s opening shows, he drifted out to a general 40-1 (and 50s in a place) before starting at 33s - it’s reasonable to assume it was being used primarily as a prep run following a 19-month absence.

Furthermore when the gelding was previously seen, winning a usually-reliable novice handicap chase at Ayr’s Scottish Grand National meeting in April 2025, owner Max McNeill was quoted as saying the Coral Gold Cup was the likely target.

Masaccio took advantage of his 7lb lower mark over hurdles this afternoon but did so in smooth style, travelling conspicuously well throughout, to suggest that back over fences he could still be nicely ahead of his rating.

His earlier chase form over shorter distances stacks up, twice finishing third to Jagwar at Cheltenham, including in the 20-runner ‘Plate’ at the Festival. 

The subsequent step up to three miles has clearly suited him and the manner in which he stayed on at both Ayr and Newbury offers encouragement for the extra two furlongs here.
 
You’re betting on King having judged the preparation right as regards the quick turnaround after a long time off, but it’s a risk worth taking in my book given today’s runner-up Miami Magic is at least half the selection’s price at the revised odds despite being set to renew rivalry on identical weight terms.