2:55 Ascot Tips

Valedictory looks to hold very strong claims, with the step up to 1m 4f shaping as a major positive. Last time out at Newbury Racecourse, he finished a close 2nd over 1m 2f in a Class 4 handicap off 84, beaten just a neck by Rathgar, who has since followed up next time out. Valedictory stayed on strongly there and shaped like a horse ready for a longer trip. Earlier form also reads very well. He won a novice over 1m 2f on the all-weather by 4¾ lengths, showing a good attitude and plenty of ability. On debut at Doncaster Racecourse, he was only narrowly beaten by Yabher, now rated 104, and then ran another strong race at Newmarket Racecourse behind Push The Limit, who is now rated 103. Those pieces of form suggest his current mark of 87 may underestimate his ability. His pedigree points strongly towards improvement over this longer distance, and the way he finished last time supports that view. With the step up in trip likely to suit perfectly, Valedictory looks the one they all have to beat.

Opportunity looks the main danger to Valedictory in what could develop into a very informative race at Ascot Racecourse. He returns from a lengthy 323-day absence and has been gelded since last seen, but the yard is operating well and the ability is clearly there. His standout piece of form came at Haydock Park Racecourse, where he won a strong Class 2 novice over 1M3½F after a 178-day break, staying on well to beat Rahiebb, who is now rated 115. He then ran in a Listed race over 1M3F and finished 4th behind Amiloc (rated 116) and Sir Dinadan (rated 107). The bare result doesn’t tell the full story, as Opportunity was badly hampered during the race yet still stayed on well late, suggesting he would have finished much closer with a clear passage. The final run of last season was disappointing, which suggests something may not have been right, and that could explain the long absence. Now returning off a mark of 91, there’s a chance he could be very well handicapped if back to the level of his earlier form. The absence is the concern, but on pure ability Opportunity looks a serious threat.

Just six runs for the 4yo last year, and better things were expected. He won a strong maiden race over this 12f trip on his third career start. His next two runs were in the Derby and a Group 2 contest at Royal Ascot ??' not showing much. He did finish off with a cosy 2L handicap win when last seen. High rating posted. Chances that he needed another winter on his back before he shows his true potential. Still on a decent handicap mark.