Redvers or Intransigent to Rattle Home In Challenge Cup

We enjoyed a tremendous Cambridgeshire last week backing the 1st, 2nd and 4th home. However sweet the victories they are very short lived in the racing world and it’s another cracking handicap this time the Challenge Cup at Ascot that we take aim at today.

The two horses I like in this race, Redvers & Intransigent need skilful riding as they tend to pull up in front and thus need to be produced off a fast pace to lead on the line. Ted Durcan hit the front too soon on Redvers over course and distance a Month ago. On that occasion Redvers went two lengths clear at the furlong pole before thinking he had done enough and agonisingly allowed Safety Check to get back up and win by a neck. One thing is for certain Ted Durcan will be aiming to put that wrong right today and with Redvers just the 3lbs higher off 98 has a great chance. Redvers loves this stiff track and the seven furlongs is his best trip.

Intransigent has tested the riding skills of a future champion jockey in Oisin Murphy. This five year old has won just the five times in his career of 30 starts but has finished second in six of those starts and third the three times. Oisin blamed himself for hitting the front too soon when reeled in at Chester but made amends at the same track when winning a listed event in early August. Intransigent is not good dependent so that takes the forecast rain out of the equation with this 7 furlongs trip ideal. He looks well overpriced at 20/1. We know he likes Ascot as he ran a cracking race when beaten just 3 lengths in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at the Royal Meeting behind Louis the Pious.

There are dangers aplenty in this cracking handicap where luck in running will play a part but I believe this race will fall nicely for both our selections with a strong pace almost guaranteed. Enjoy the racing and keep an eye out for Gordon Lord Byron who has a good each way shout in the Prix De La Foret at Longchamp (16:50) tomorrow on Arc Day.

Selection A – 1 Point *EW Redvers Ascot 15:50 10/1 generally

Selection B – 1 Point *EW Intransigent Ascot 15:50 25/1 Betvictor, William Hill & Coral

Best of luck,

Nicky

Bet Alchemist Recent Winners