December 17th, 2009 :
Horse Racing
The Group 2 $250,000 Landscape Development C.B. Cox Stakes over 2100 metres at Ascot Racecourse is a weight-for age race for three-year-olds and upwards and has a field of 13 runners. The early betting market has Scenic Shot as short-priced favourite at $2.25. Next in the market is Ma Chienne at $7, Lords Ransom At $8, Markus Maximus at $9, Star Encounter at $9.50, Cassandara Shadow at $10 and Newport at $14.
Scenic Shot won the Mackinnon Stakes in the spring and has done plenty of weight-for-age racing. He ran 3rd here over 1800m last start and the extra distance will suit. Ma Chienne is a staying mare who won 2 in a row at Ascot over 2200m before running 2nd in the 2400m Queen’s Cup last start. Marine Drive ($18) has not been far from the winners at his last 4 runs here.
Jo’s tips: 1. Scenic Shot, 2. Ma Chienne, 3. Marine Drive
