CASTLE ROBIN was a good winner for this column 5 weeks ago and I'm not deserting him now. A 7lb rise seems very fair for that Cheltenham victory as the front 4 looked well handicapped and the third home is current favourite for this race. The swing in the weights is in his favour this time but I don't think that will be enough for him to get past my selection. The soft ground shouldn't be much of a problem to him and I think he is quite progressive. He will definitely make a better chaser but I think he has at least one more hurdle victory in him just yet.
I couldn't believe SOARING GLORY was 5/1 for this race 24 hours ago as he has by far and away the best form in the race. His second placed effort to Bravemansgame and Dusart is rock solid form and he would have won at Wetherby the last day until he fell. Providing that hasn't left a mark I think he could take a bit of pegging back at a track where he recorded such an impressive victory last season.
Ascot 12.45 Castle Robin
Ascot 2.30 Soaring Glory
