Ascot
12.55 De La Bech may start favourite and has solid claims. A point to point winner with solid bumper from in Ireland he won over hurdles at Lingfield last time out on heavy ground. A chaser in the making he should go well but I am not sure he is value for money. I am going to take a chance with the unpredictable Wings of Icarus who may be well handicapped and should appreciate this trip based on pedigree.
1.30 Solix is a course and distance winner with winning form with plenty of cut in the ground.
2.20 This could be between Smad Place and Trustan Times.
2.35 Hold on Julio is a tentative selection. I have slight reservations about him handling very testing conditions but he has stamina and that could be a key factor.
3.10 Cash and Go, a multiple winner in Ireland on soft ground was runner up in a big handicap at Cheltenham on his seasonal reappearance. He us used to running in big fields and should go well. It’s a Gimme was an excellent second over course and distance last month and is another for the short list. Balder Succes won a 4 runner event on his last start. He has winning form on heavy ground and is 2 from 2 at Ascot. Ranjaan won his last two starts last season and makes his return here. He would be my selection normally but he is bred for the flat and I am not so sure about him in testing conditions. I will go with two; It’s a Gimme and Cash and Go.
Haydock selections
1.10 Scholastica
2.15 Mac Aeda
ahorse 