First Contact out to rule in Britannia

Britannia Heritage Handicap contender First Contact features among a trio of unexposed three-year-olds lining up for Charlie Appleby in the supporting races on day three of Royal Ascot, Thursday, 21 June. 

First Contact (9st 5lbs, William Buick) heads into the 30-runner contest over Ascot’s straight mile on the back of a decisive three-length victory on his first appearance on turf in a novice race over seven furlongs on soft ground at Doncaster on 25 March. 

The son of Dark Angel previously made two appearances on the All-Weather in January, both also at seven furlongs, winning on Tapeta at Newcastle in January before going down by a short-head to Walk In The Sun on Polytrack at Kempton Park. 

Charlie Appleby commented: “First Contact has a nice progressive profile and I was pleased with his draw in stall 30, with plenty of speed on his side. 

“This race has been the plan since he won at Doncaster. Quicker ground will suit him and he should be very competitive.”

Cross Counter (9st 6lbs, William Buick), who lines up in the 12-furlong King George V Handicap (19 runners), also started out with two All-Weather outings, with the son of Teofilo gaining two impressive wins on Tapeta at Wolverhampton, including an eight-length victory in January. 

He made a pleasing first start on turf in a 10-furlong novice contest at Sandown Park on 7 June, when he stayed on well to take second behind Elwazir, who was receiving 14lbs. 

Dubawi colt Dubhe (top-weight 9st 7lbs, James Doyle) also goes in the King George V Handicap following a comprehensive four-length success on his seasonal return in a 10-furlong handicap at Sandown Park on 27 April. 

Charlie Appleby added: “I was delighted with Cross Counter’s last run at Sandown, when he was conceding a lot of weight to the winner. He has come out of that race well and looks to have the right profile to be a major player. 

“A bit of ease in the ground would have suited Dubhe better, but he is an improving colt and the trip won’t be a worry. He will certainly be doing his best work late on.”