Our resident tipster Ben Morgan selects his two favourite picks for Saturday’s action at Ascot
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Ascot 2.40 – Two darts fired in open Victoria Cup
Jack Channon looks to have METAL MERCHANT spot on for this valuable assignment after a recent pipe opener at Newbury.
I had previously had this horse marked down who wanted a bit of dig in the ground to be seen at his best but if you look at his runs on quick ground last season, they were arguably his best.
His runs here over 7f and 1m represent top form and you could argue he is probably due a change of luck here at Ascot.
Well weighted with a good draw I can see him running a big race at around the 12/1 mark.
A bit further down the handicap is course specialist HICKORY, who always seems to save his best for Ascot, and a recent change of stable might just be the catalyst for him to get his head in front again.
Previously under the care of James Fanshawe, he is now with Jamie Osbourne, who is no stranger to success here at Ascot.
He has a host of placed efforts here but hasn’t been able to get his head in front for quite some time now, but I’m hoping the change of routine might just bring about some improvement which would see him break that losing record.
Ascot 3.50 – Simcock son of Sottsass could be ahead of the handicapper
CALEDONIAN looks very well weighted off a mark of 80 if he has improved over the Winter which his breeding suggests he should.
Being by Sottsass out of a mare who has produced many a good performer, I expect him to prove better than his current mark by the time the season is out and I’m hopeful Saturday could be the start of his rise through the handicap.
The David Simcock stable form is a slight worry but if this horse was to need the run would you run it in a valuable Saturday handicap at Ascot?
I’m not sure so I’m going to take a punt he is fit enough to do himself justice.
Ascot 2.40 – Metal Merchant / Hickory
Ascot 3.50 – Caledonian
