Totesport International Stakes at Ascot (Diamond Day, July 29)

|As ever, the totesport International Stakes at Ascot on Diamond Day, July 29, is shaping up to be a cracking renewal with the progressive Hinterland and the evergreen Mine heading the betting at top prices of 7/1 and 8/1 respectively. Hinterland, one of many who also hold an entry in the totesport Mile at Glorious Goodwood, was well supported when landing the totescoop6 Stakes at Sandown, after which connections pointed to Goodwood as their likely next port of call. However, given that Hinterland will carry just a 3lb penalty in the International, whereas he would be running off his revised mark in totesport Mile - a rating of 105, 6lb higher than that off which he won last time out - it may well be that connections will be tempted to go for this seven furlong contest at Ascot. If this is indeed the case, the son of Danzig will clearly be hard to beat, as the authority with which he won at Sandown suggests that he is a horse on the upgrade. However, he has never been tried over a trip shorter than a mile and if anything he shapes as though farther would suit, an observation given further credence by his pedigree. Given that this contest will be a truly-run affair, the drop to seven furlongs might not be too detrimental to his cause, but he is a strong galloping type and I reckon he might be vulnerable to something with a finishing kick. The one that fits the bill in my opinion is Bayeux, who rates a very tempting punt at 14/1 with VCBet. Formerly with Godolphin, with whom he didn't make the grade, Bayeux has enjoyed a new lease of life since switching to Gerald Butler's yard and the level of form he has achieved this season stands up to the closest of inspections, plus he remains potentially well treated at present. Indeed, including the 3lb penalty he will carry for his last-time-out victory, the son of Red Ransom will be a total of just 7lb higher in the weights compared to the all weather rating off which he beat subsequent Pattern races winners, and generally very smart rivals, in Quito and Indian Maiden.Bayeux, who demonstrated a good turn of foot when beating a field of in-form rivals in a highly competitive six-furlong handicap at Hamilton recently, ran a fine race in defeat over the International course and distance when beaten just over two lengths into fourth place behind Uhoomagoo in the 27-runner Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot previously. Given that he was drawn on the 'wrong' side that day, Bayeux's effort was extremely creditable and while connections have cited that six furlongs may be his ideal trip, the five-year-old didn't appear to fail through lack of stamina at the Royal meeting. Granted better luck with the draw, and with fast ground and a strong pace assured, Bayeux is fancied to swoop late and land the spoils. Partners In Jazz has incurred what looks a fair rise of 5lb following his much-deserved victory in the Victoria Cup over this course and distance in May. It appears as though connections have put him away with this race in mind following that success and this gutsy grey looks sure to be on the premises. But, in all fairness, he's not the easiest of horses to win with. He often meets with trouble in running as he needs plenty of cover and generally needs things to drop just right, which means that it's never easy to be dogmatic when investing your hard-earned in him. Plus he does look vulnerable to an improver off of what is a career-high mark of 99. Bunbury Cup winner Mine and the Mark Johnston-trained Prince Of Light are worthy of consideration. Mine, who always runs well at Ascot where he has won the Victoria Cup and the Royal Hunt Cup in past seasons, landed that competitive handicap at Newmarket's July meeting in good style and is always to be feared in this type of event. Verdict - 1pt e/w Bayeux @ 14/1 (VCbet)