ASCOT
1.40pm
Alfredo
It looks like there is a bit more rain due on Saturday and he does have form with cut, so hopefully, be will be fine on that score. He was a good fourth in soft ground for me at York last season, but we haven’t seen him since a couple of modest runs at the turn of the year. The trip is fine but he looks to hold an outside chance if I am being honest, as he doesn’t look particularly well-treated either. Let’s hope I am wrong.
2.15pm
Reshoun
He ran okay in midfield in a strong Newbury handicap last time, his first run since a wind op, and he has chances here if coming forward from that run. He is equally suited by fast and testing conditions alike, so any rain wouldn’t be a bother at all, and I can see him going well.
2.50pm
Nicholas T
He obviously comes in here in good form. He has gone up 11lb for his two recent successes, on a course which he clearly loves, so this will be tough for him. In fact, he races off a career-high mark, so that tells you what a task he has. But he is in good nick, and a mile round here should suit a horse who gets 1m2f well and is ground-versatile. In fact, he finished second to Raising Sand in this race in 2017. He has a solid chance.
3.25pm
Asian Angel
He didn’t run up his best after a slow start at Goodwood last week, and he races off the same mark here. But his previous form, including a second to Nicholas T at Ayr, would give him each-way claims and hopefully, he will see out the trip well enough.
4.20pm
Victory Day
He looks to hold a leading chance. He just failed to get up for me at York and was raised 6lb for it, too. But he clearly is a horse on the up, and one having just his fifth start too, so you have to be very positive about his chances. He looks the one to beat.
LINGFIELD
6.15pm
Rovaniemi
He is an expensive purchase at 320,000gns but this Oasis Dream colt is related to some very smart horses and we have been very happy with him so far. His pedigree is probably more speed than stamina – his middle-distance siblings Cameron Highland and Field Of Miracles were by Galileo – but this trip looks a good starting point for him. He will need the experience though, as he hasn’t done a lot at home, but he is one for the future.
