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https://www.racingpost.com/racecards/2/ascot/2024-11-02/877801
I like a few in this, especially Solo, Chianti Classico, and Ballygriffincottage, but if he’s a nice price, I’d have an Antepost on Two For Gold
Ran well in it last year, and he’ll come here a few pounds lower this time. His record at Ascot is excellent, so he’s the main interest just now
Edit – Two For Gold makes it, but trying to beat 16’s
Two For Gold
Hard to look past Chanti Clasico, but I’ll go with Two for Gold. His form over fences at Ascot is 2-2-1-2-2. And those were good races in which he competed. Mark might be a little too high, but his price is big as well. I also was impressed by Neon Moon his victory in the Native River Chase at Chepstow. Will back him as well.
Two For Gold 16/1
Neon Moon 10/1I think that Our Power can get back on track this year, and he’s my main selection in this at 6-1. Neon Moon is my second string at 11-1
When studying this race I expected to be against Chianti Classico. Am not 100% convinced he’s as effective around a right-handed track… And is this just a prep for the Hennessey in the same way as the Kempton race (gave the outside to nobody) last year a prep for Cheltenham? However, has won first time out the previous two seasons and there are very few progressive types in this field. Three miles suits well and although it was very soft at Cheltenham he usually travels fairly well and does not imo have a round action of the usual soft ground specialist. Also had progressive form prior to that on less testing conditions. So have taken a little of the 3/1.
Took 7/1 as a saver Our Power, but have since reassessed the race and is now an even better bet. Gone in again to make him a main bet @ 7.4. Got to take fitness on trust – without a run since falling in the “Hennesesy”. Winner of the 2022 Coral Trophy at Kempton and is now on just a 2 lb higher mark. That was his last run right-handed – which imo suits him best. Won another good handicap here on reappearance that year. So a long break may not be a hindrance. Brilliant 3 lb conditional Dylan Johnson takes the ride and the Sam Thomas yard are in excellent form too.
I see Amirite has been backed again. If I remember correctly he was one of my main bets in the Whitbread. Thankfully I had the winner and Amirite ran well enough to be 6 1/2 lengths 5th on Good ground. Ran well since. Favourite when runner-up in the Irish “Midlands National” and did best of those ridden prominently in Galway Plate over a similar distance to this. Appeared to have enough pace with first time cheek pieces that day, but whether he will without the cheek pieces today is questionable. Very disappointing last of the finishers in Kerry National last time out; jumping a bit right-handed on a left handed course. Getting further back than possibly suits him these days. Has some good runs left-handed, but seems more consistent right handed and has an action that splays his near fore. There are reasons to think he can return to form, but the trip imo makes him opposable at the price.
My bet to win the most though is prolific winning handicapper Highstakesplayer who’s proven in similar conditions. Steadily progressive. Two of those wins came on his last two reappearances. Only poor run since 2021 came going left-handed and mostly runs this way around. Stable could be in better form, but are giving signs of a return, one 25/1 winner and a 50/1 3rd albeit 22 lengths behind the winner in Tom Lacey’s last 5 runners (all 12/1 or more). If fit and ready Highstakesplayer should go close. I advised taking the 9/1 earlier today, although I could only get on at an average of 9.35 myself. Lot shorter now.
Had a saver on the Kim Bailey second string. Anywhere else and I’d avoid him like the plague. Two For Gold has not beaten one sole runner in his last 5 starts elsewhere. But his last 5 starts at Ascot reads: 2nd 2nd 1st 2nd 2nd… And also seems to run better fresh! Even so, usually finds a reason to lose so is only a saver for the win only market @ 24… But I’ve had £25 @ 6 place only. He’s a bit of a dog so has a much better chance of placing than the win odds suggest.
Value Is EverythingJust to be different Highstakesplayer.
The things I want most in life are the things that I can't win.
Quite like Hidden Depths. In form, unexposed, worth a go.
Got to say it’s another disappointing turnout for a valuable handicap chase.
Wind op tempted me with Two for gold , also.played Flegmatik who may have a fitness edge on many , both e.w
I’ve now backed Two For Gold as a “main bet” now, with LAYS going into the in running market at shorter prices. Is a front/prominent runner that maybe the type to shorten.
Value Is EverythingWD Ginge. Watching that I’d say there’s no chance Kittys Light will be going back to Aintree. He was effectively joint bottom weight last year, not sure if we got a full field? Feels like they’ll run him down the field a bit to get his mark down and try and win some of the backend staying chases Scottish National etc that he’d get in still off a competitive mark.
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