Ride with River at rainy Ascot

RIVER NYMPH (Ascot, nb, 3.50) could be appropriately named if this weekend’s weather forecast is to be believed, but the prospect of further rainfall should not hinder his chance in the Equine Productions ‘The Fall’ Challenge Cup.

The four-year-old appears to have been campaigned with today’s feature handicap in mind given he enjoyed a near four-month break prior to returning with an encouraging comeback at Newbury in Listed company earlier this month. The decision by trainer Clive Cox (right) to target his colt at this afternoon’s event looks a smart one with his effectiveness on Ascot’s straight track already confirmed with two successes over course and distance, the most recent achieved on soft ground in the Victoria Cup back in May. He saw out seven furlongs powerfully that day to repel Eagleway and Escobar, who once again looks to have a great chance of going close in a competitive handicap with conditions to suit today.

That victory set River Nymph up for a tilt at Group Three company at Haydock but he couldn’t manage the acceleration of the likes of Kinross and Glorious Journey.

However, there was no disgrace in that display with Kinross winning a Group Two on his next start and Glorious Journey winning twice since, including at Doncaster when he landed the Group Two Park Stakes. A return to a straight track is arguably the key for River Nymph, who has recorded three of his four career victories under such circumstances. And a further softening of the ground may impact more on his rivals than him. Although a far from frequent winner, the enigmatic Escobar is another regular in this type of race and it would be no surprise to see him in the shake-up once more, while Aldaary is another to consider if stall two doesn’t mean he is isolated from the action on the stands’ side rail.

The latter ran two big races over course and distance this summer, performed with credit over a mile at York last time in a hot handicap and should appreciate returning to an easier surface.