Ground conditions are going to make these races at Ascot today a real slog and I advise looking for soft ground specialists. One horse who is just that is THE REVENANT who simply loves the mud. At 11/2, to me, he is a free each way bet as I really can’t see him out of the three here. He has been kept fresh all summer for an autumn campaign and I presume this race has been his number on target after he came a close second last year. Bar the favourite, the field look pretty exposed and I wouldn’t be surprised if a real outsider like Escobar could run a big race but my selection is guaranteed to love conditions and will also be on top of his game whereas some of his main rivals may just be over the top.
In the filthy handicap at the end of the card I think ORBAAN could have his day in the sun (rain). David O’Meara is a master at picking up these big handicaps and this classy sort could add another to his collection. He was a very useful horse in France and has hinted at ability in some starts this term. The softer ground on offer here today may prove to be the key and he’s worth a punt each way.
Ascot 3.05 – The Revenant – 2pts e/w
Ascot 4.15 – Orbaan – 1pt e/w
