The ground is going to be really testing at Ascot this afternoon so we want a proven mudlark on our side.

This race might be over just short of two miles but on heavy ground it will take a good one to see it out strongly. The Evan Williams trained Quoi De Neuf ran a cracker in the Greatwood hurdle but failed to see it out having travelled so well into the straight. It was a similar story at Chepstow so I am concerned regarding his stamina at his high handicap level. As a young horse he is bound to improve over the course of the season but the horse that looks well overpriced is top weight Monsieur Lecoq. He was the horse I took from the Greatwood hurdle having raced so freely during the early part of that race.

Monsieur Lecoq saw off Quoi De Neuf in the Greatwood hurdle only to get chinned by Harambe and Gumball on the line. Last Saturday at Cheltenham our selection was ridden quietly out the back in a Grade 2 before staying on nicely to finish fourth. That race was slowly run and turned into a sprint which did not suit Monsieur Lecoq. I'd like to see him ridden prominently tomorrow as he stays well at two miles.

Chester Williams rides claiming 5lbs so effectively Monsieur Lecoq is 4lbs better off with the re-opposing Greatwood winner Harambe. Mohaayed was impressive winning this race on soft ground last season from the same mark of 145. The concern is no cheekpieces on this time round and his form is not the same arriving into this race as last season.

Overall, I believe Monsieur Lecoq can run a big race at a big price with the race last Saturday at Cheltenham turning into a sprint allowing him not endure a hard race. He has won on heavy and soft ground at Ffos Las so unlike many in the race he will relish the heavy going.