The Long Walk Hurdle today is the most competitive running I can remember. It’ll be interesting to see how Paisley Park gets on – he’s a horse I like. And it would be good to know more about Soul Emotion, Henderson’s recruit from France, who was supposed to go chasing this year.
It looks an open race and the value for me is in Richard Johnson’s mount The Mighty Don at 33/1. He’s an improving horse and trainer Nick Gifford believes the gelding is finally grasping what it’s all about.
The Mighty Don was 3rd last time to Unowhatimeanharry (9/2 tomorrow) and he has just over 4 lengths to find with that one on the same terms.
I’ve backed The Mighty Don each way. I usually prefer to have two or three bets in these races rather than an EW, but I see no real value elsewhere in the field.
In the 3.00 Ascot I like Favorito Buck’s and Jammin Masters, both improving horses who recorded their best Racing Post Ratings last time out.
Favorito Buck’s won at this track a month ago and the front-running ride (first time he’s been allowed to make all) might well have contributed to his performance. I expect he’ll be very prominent again here when they jump off. He’s around 12/1
Jammin Master is on the up and finished with plenty of running in him last time at Carlisle where the trip and ground would not have been ideal. He should get perfect conditions here and I think he’ll run a big race. He’s available at 8/1.
The 3.35 Ascot is arguably the most competitive event of the week. The tongue tie seems to have made a big difference to Nietzsche although his record suggests good ground is important to him and I reluctantly pass him by in favour of Lisp.
He is one of Alan King’s 3 runners and the choice of stable jockey Hutchinson despite Fidux being on a hat trick here.
In the Tommy Whittle I’ve backed Kimberlite Candy. Trainer Tom Lacey has had this improving horse entered in a number of decent races lately and this sound stayer has a good chance at around 9/2
Good luck
Steeplechasing 