CYR SET TO PURR

This afternoon’s runners NICHOLLS

NEXT DESTINATION 2.45

He was a brilliant novice over hurdles for Willie Mullins but hasn’t run for 920 days so obviously had his problems before he was sent to us in July. Whatever he achieves here, he is bound to improve for the outing. Then he will go chasing.

CYRNAME 3.20

He runs here because we want to find out for sure if he truly stays three miles.

He isn’t quite as wound up as last year but he’s had exactly the same work schedule as Frodon — and you saw what he did at Cheltenham!

Although Cyrname was beaten on the two occasions he raced lefthanded over fences when he jumped a bit righthanded, that was ages ago and I don’t think it is an issue now.

ASCOT DR SANDERSON

1.20

I’ve always liked him and he won nicely at Plumpton 12 days ago on decent ground. This will be tougher as he is up 7lb for that.

CAPELAND 1.55

He was so unlucky in this a year ago when he was forced through the wing of the last fence, recovered to finish fifth and was then disqualified.

Capeland won easily on his return to Ascot, which saw him raised 10lb. He’s handicapped to the hilt, but he clearly likes Ascot.

SCARAMANGA/ MALAYA

3.05 Scaramanga will be sharper for his run at Bath two weeks ago and should run well provided the ground is not too deep.

Maylaya loves Ascot and, though she is handicapped up to her best, should run OK.

BLACK CORTON/ ADRIEN DU PONT

3.40

Black Corton (above) has won 14 times. He is full of life as usual and I am hoping that the wind op he had in the summer might just tease a bit of improvement from him.

Adrien Du Pont struggled last season but he seems fine at home and, with Bryan Carver taking off 5lb, he is more than capable of showing more here.

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