WINKLE EXPECTED TO RIP INTO DELEGATOR

The filly who put the colts, including two of Saturday’s Sscot probables, Aqlaam and Virtual, to the sword at Deauville, waits for Arc day in Paris.

So while Goldikova’s away Ballydoyle’s Rip Van Winkle and Godolphin’s Delegator can make the most of their chances.

When they last met, in the Guineas, Delegator finished two places ahead of Rip Van Winkle.

Delegator was the shorter price; now Rip Van Winkle has the call around Evens.

Both won at Goodwood last time but whereas Rip Van Winkle’s was the Group One Sussex, Delegator did not need to be at his best to land the Group Two Celebration Mile.

The three-day Ascot Festival, beginning on Friday, is second only in importance to the Royal Meeting for the welfare of
our premier course.

The maiden Hibaayeb may start favourite for the Group One Meon Valley Stud Stakes, also on Saturday.

Her second to Pollenator in the May Hill – with Seta only third – requires franking but then Godolphin’s big hope among the two-year-old fillies, Long Lashes, was left for dead in her most recent race at the Curragh.