Leung Ho Yin, Simon's Bio
Simon is a well respected full-time thoroughbred racing commentator specializing in overseas international racing. Bringing with him a wealth of racing knowledge, Simon is the host and race caller for the overseas simulcast programme since 2008/09 season. He is currently the presenter on several racing television programmes including, ‘Racing Horizon’ and ‘Horse Racing – Results’.

Ascot Racecourse – Track Analysis (Gold Cup Day):

Racing in a clockwise direction, the world-renowned Ascot Racecourse at south-west of London, is a triangular venue so distinguished of its enormous track width, featuring on top of which a 1600m home chute to accommodate straight contests at up to a mile.

For the day’s centerpiece event – the 3991m Gold Cup – the stayers will break from the 1200m start on the straight course, file by the grandstand for the first time, then navigate a full lap of the round course to complete this marathon. Stall assignments are trivial at best when it comes to winning chances. Back onto the straight course, where both 1400m the Jersey Stakes and the Chesham Stakes, and both the 1600m Britannia Stakes (Handicap) and Sandringham Stakes (Handicap) will all be staged, starting positions are numbered reversely back in, where high post numbers will break from the stands side. When it comes to over-subscribed fields disputing the early lead on a firm track, this particular stands side, so customary for one contest too many in this Royal meeting, is the better place to be; that said, a rainy day would easily see this strip play in reverse. As for both the 1993m Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap) and the Wolferton Stakes, runners will dip right-handed into the Swinley Bottom promptly after the break; still, thanks to a more sedate pace as per customary in deep routes, horses breaking from out wide still have plenty of time to position well.

In all, be it straight dashes, or cruising around the full circuit, fields will have to fight for Ascot glory through that grueling 500m-plus homestretch, where another steep, sapping ascent suddenly looms in large right before the finish. On top of all the undulations throughout this course, front-runners do need more than a gargantuan effort to take the field all the way home.

When a soft track was still on deck for the 2019 running of the Gold Cup under the sun, returning champion STRADIVARIUS was once again in touch with the leaders while saving ground early, then switched left, took command, ridden out and stayed on well inside the final 200m to defend his title, whereas DEE EX BEE and MASTER OF REALITY, who lock-horned in front for much of the way, were unable to match the winner’s late surge, and could only hang on for second and third respectively.

With rain teasing the London area through Thursday, a slow track may be on deck for the Gold Cup Day this year; should that be the case, runners sticking to the far side may be inhibited on less favourable goings.

Disclaimer:

The above content and information are the personal views and/or opinions of each individual writer and do not represent the views of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its subsidiaries (together, the "HKJC"). The content and information are provided by the writers solely for entertainment purpose only, and should not be construed as a suggestion for anyone to place any bet nor should they be taken and/or relied upon as advice of any kind. The above content and information have not been verified, confirmed and/or endorsed by HKJC and HKJC shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage suffered by such person as a result of any use or reliance of the above content or information.

HKJC shall not be required to give and does not give any warranty, whether express or implied, arising out of or in connection with the content or information. The Club disclaims any responsibility and accepts no liability (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for any direct or indirect loss of damage arising from any inaccuracies, omission or typographical errors that may be contained therein. The Club also does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or fitness for purpose of any such information.