Royal Ascot runner-up Electrolyte returns - can he confirm himself a Group 1 contender in Commonwealth Cup Trial?

Course form can often prove key to winning on Ascot’s straight course and Electrolyte boasts one of the best runs at the track courtesy of his narrow second in last year’s Coventry Stakes. He was beaten just a nose by Rashabar that day, and that rival went on to take second in two Group 1s.

Electrolyte came up short in two Group 2s after his second at the royal meeting but confirmed that he is a sprinter on the up when landing a Group 3 at Chantilly in September, and the return to this course will surely suit. The question is whether he is good enough to win a Group 1 trial.

Big Mojo was last seen at the top level in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar and finished only a length behind winner Magnum Force. That is the best form judging on Racing Post Ratings, but he's yet to race at Ascot and returns from wind surgery.

Trainer Mick Appleby has a good record with runners who are having their first start after an operation, having saddled eight winners from 38 runners for a healthy 21 per cent strike-rate. Maybe that is an indication that Big Mojo will be set to go on his return from the procedure.

Rebel’s Gamble is another without a proven Ascot record, but he does have plenty of all-weather form and that has been a route to finding winners on the straight track at this course over the years. He also looked something special when scoring at Lingfield last time.

Trainer Karl Burke won that race with subsequent Group 2 winner El Caballo in 2022 and Rebel’s Gamble has similar potential. There is every chance he can outclass this promising field.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Adam Ryan, assistant trainer of Ain't Nobody
He shapes as though six furlongs will be his trip this year. He won over five last year, but as the season went on he looked like he wanted six. He had a good season but was always going to do better at three and he's a bigger, stronger horse now. It's a good starting point to find out where we go. He'll have to take a step forward if he was to go for the Commonwealth Cup.

Karl Burke, trainer of Arabie and Rebel's Gamble
They're both in good order. I'd expect Arabie to improve for the visor. He's always been a horse who gallops and works behind the bridle and Jim Crowley [jockey] has been asking for it for a little while. Rebel's Gamble's form on the all-weather is very good and although he needs to transfer that to the turf, I don't see any reason why he can't because he's bred for the turf. He drops back from his good win over seven at Lingfield, but the stiff six and a good gallop will suit him well.

Mick Appleby, trainer of Big Mojo
He should have a decent chance as he's been working very well. He's had his palate cauterised as when we got him back he was a bit thick in his wind. The trip is an unknown, but I think he'll get the six as he's strengthened up a lot. He's got the speed, but he also has the stamina for six.

Mick Appleby: trains Big MojoCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Richard Brown, racing manager for Wathnan Racing, owners of Electrolyte
He ran a massive race when beaten a nose in the Coventry and then at the backend he won the Prix Eclipse. He's wintered well and Archie [Watson] seems happy with him. Like most of them I'm sure he'll come forward for it.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Hallasan
He has proved a consistent horse and we feel dropping back to six furlongs is going to suit. He won over a mile in Dubai but it’s an easy mile around Meydan and he shows a lot of natural pace. He’s fit and well from the winter and should be competitive.
Reporting by Andrew Dietz

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