ASCOT ENCORE CAN GIVE DAN A POT OF GOLD
GO for Gold in the Byrne Group Handicap Chase.
AMOOLA GOLD (2.45) won this Ascot prize 12 months ago before going on to run subsequent Grade 1 winner First Flow to a neck at the same track.
His Warwick second behind Sky Pirate also looks good form and he should be more than fit enough with trainer Dan Skelton starting to hit form.
He should get the strong pace he likes and jockey Bridget Andrews gets on well with him. Have 3pts to win at 6-1. The big race at Ascot is the Bateaux London Gold Cup and it looks a cracking contest.
JOHNBB (3.20) has been brought along patiently by trainer Tom Lacey so I expect this seven-year-old to have a big season.
The way he won at
Wetherby on his first run of last season was most pleasing and he bettered that performance when runner-up behind Happygolucky at Aintree on Grand National day.
That was his first run beyond 2m4f and he saw out the distance well.
It was also his first run for three months so he clearly goes well when fresh and Lacey has his team in good form. Have 2pts to win at 7-1. The two big races at Wetherby look tricky punting contests and I’m more interested in the Bet365 Handicap Hurdle.
Pam Sly is another trainer firing in the winners and her HAAFAPIECE (3.40) must have a decent shout.
He often runs well at this track and he was still in front when falling at the last in a big-field Cheltenham handicap last season. Mistakes at crucial times were a feature of his performances last term so those efforts were even better than they looked.
If he cuts out the untimely errors he should be involved in the finish, with the likely good gallop sure to help.
Have 1pt win at 6-1, though Sky Bet are paying out on five places if you want to go each-way.
It’s the last knockings of the Flat season but there are three Listed prizes on offer at Newmarket.
The Montrose Stakes for two-year-old fillies, over a mile on decent ground, will suit SIAMSA (2.58) better than the testing conditions at Newbury last week.
She still ran well to finish third behind Jumbly but she is better than that. Have 1pt each-way at 8-1.