A Fresh Day at Ascot on Arc Weekend

It's a super Saturday of quality racing in the UK, Ireland & France. A busy day and here I take a look at the heritage handicap at Ascot where heavy rain is due this afternoon.

Anmaat ran a cracker in the Cambridgeshire last Saturday just finding one too good! We tackle the Challenge Cup at Ascot today with 17 runners declared.

Fresh found the Goodwood course too sharp when eight in the Stewards Cup this summer. It was a little under par having run such a big race in the Wokingham Stakes at the Royal Meeting. He found just the talented 3yo Rohaan too good on the day and the winner is a Group level horse. Fresh goes well at Ascot as on Trials weekend back in May he won over six furlongs beating Pendleton. The big question is the trip as this is his first run over 7 furlongs. Trainer James Fanshawe is a shrewd operator and must believe his charge has every chance of staying the new trip. He remains well treated on a handicap mark of 98 with 9-1 on his back.

Tomfre is much better value than River Nymph at current prices. Both returned for their autumn campaigns at Newbury in a Listed race. Tomfre travelled well but had his run checked and even though eased by his Jockey finished on the tailcoat of River Nymph who is favourite today. Tomfre runs well at Ascot and loves soft ground. He ran a good race at the start of the season when second to Qaysar at Haydock over 7 furlongs at listed level. Tomfre is drawn in stall 11 which is not too bad with high numbers an advantage today. He has a tremendous record of winning or placing second when running on soft or heavy ground and remains open to progression as a 4yo.

Ayr - 3:40

1 Point Each Way Fresh 8/1 William Hill & 888sport paying 5 places.

0.5 Point Each Way Tomfre 14/1 William Hill 5 places else Bet365 4 places.

Compare Odds at Ascot 15:50 Betting Odds- Winner | Horse Racing | Oddschecker