2026 International Handicap Ante-Post Tips - Bunbury Cup runner-up looks a good bet at Ascot

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Wed 15 Jul 2026 10:59

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Ante-post tips for the 2026 Moet & Chandon International Handicap
This heritage handicap takes place at Ascot on Saturday 25th July
We've backed Back In Black at 14/1 today

Back In Black (near) finishing second to Aalto in the 2026 Bunbury Cup. (Getty)

Here's our ante-post selection for the International Handicap, which takes place at Ascot on King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes day.

I landed one of my favourite ante-post bets ever at the weekend, as I watched Raammee (tipped at 20/1) score in the John Smith's Cup at York. Today, I've reinvested some of those winnings and backed an in-form runner in the big handicap on King George day at Ascot next Saturday.

2026 International Handicap Ante-Post Tip - Back In Black

Despite the two-week turnaround, plenty of horses go straight from the Bunbury Cup to the International Handicap. Aalto did exactly that last season, and Ian Williams' star would be a major player at Ascot after winning his second Bunbury Cup during the July Festival.

BACK IN BLACK (14/1) was drawn in stall one on the July Course. Danny Muscutt immediately brought his mount across to the larger group in the centre of the track, but was later forced to angle back towards the stands' rail to launch his challenge. Back In Black picked up strongly in the closing stages, but couldn't quite reel Aalto in, crossing the line just half a length behind.

James Fanshawe had hoped to run Back In Black at last year's Royal Ascot, but injury ruled him out of the meeting. Muscutt's mount finished fifth on his return at Goodwood at the end of August, before suffering narrow defeats to the classy Rogue Diplomat and Cerulean Bay on his final two turf starts of the season.

It's been a season of near misses for Back In Black so far. Fanshawe's four-year-old finished fourth behind Linwood on his reappearance in the Spring Cup at Newbury, before going down narrowly on two all-weather starts ahead of that excellent Bunbury Cup second.

Back In Black also holds an entry in the Golden Mile at Glorious Goodwood. However, seven furlongs appears to be his optimum trip, and Ascot looks a much better fit than Goodwood. Fanshawe has enjoyed plenty of success at the Berkshire track, and it would be no surprise to see him take advantage of the fact that Back In Black can run from the same mark of 94.

Muscutt's mount has recorded Racing Post Ratings in the low 100s on three of his four starts this season, so there's little doubt he's well treated. Carrying a handy racing weight, Back In Black looks capable of running another huge race if taking his chance at Ascot.

Verdict

2026 International Handicap

Back In Black is our ante-post selection in the 2026 International Handicap.

Back In Black

2026 International Handicap Ante-Post Tips

@14/1 - 5 Units

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