The Royal Hunt Cup is always a ferociously difficult cavalry charge to get to the bottom of and 2013s renewal looks to be no exception. Last years winner
Prince Of Johanne (10/1) is back for another crack at the race and should again go well from the same mark he won the race off last year, but as always theres a case to be made for many of the runners. A horse I like in the field is
David Livingston (16/1) and he could be very interesting now with South African trainer Mike de Kock having formerly been a classic hope for Ballydoyle. By super-sire Galileo, he has mainly only run in Group races since breaking his maiden at the second attempt and though he has often found it difficult to get his head in front, he did win the Group 2 Beresford Stakes over Akeed Mofeed back in 2011 and given the exploits of that horse in the Far East recently that form reads pretty well now. He was well beaten three times last season for Aidan OBrien and finished down the field, although not beaten too far, on his only start to date for de Kock over in Dubai but it does look telling that the South African trainer extraordinaire is opting to run him here. Of course they were already bringing Shea Shea which obviously makes it easier to accommodate other horses but they surely wouldnt just be bringing this horse for a run, and if he can rekindle some of his early career form here, on only his second handicap start, he can put his undoubted class to use and go well at a nice price. The well-fancied
Dance And Dance (10/1) is only second reserve now so will do well to get a run and the clear favourite
Stirring Ballad (7/1) whilst having notched up a four-timer last year is yet to taste victory in 2013 and looks more than short enough considering.
Excellent Guest (14/1) took the Victoria Cup at Ascot on his last start and more than deserves his place in the field and should give another good account of himself, while
Trade Commissioner (14/1) and
Fury (16/1) have both won big handicaps in the past and have a touch of class about them on their best days the latter of particular interest here with Joseph OBrien an eye-catching jockey booking.
Educate (14/1) looks to be the other big contender having won four of his last five starts, hes got a good draw here and has a turn of foot that could be decisive in a race of this nature.
Selection: David Livingston each-way @ 16/1
