SecretAct

A tough one to call between Winston Junior and Down to Business who was a very taking eyecatcher at Newbury on his first start. The application of a tongue strap may well bring him further improvement. However the verdict goes to this selection. Unlucky last time at Cheltenham when finding a troubled passage on the rail, having to be switched out wide, but the winner that day was gone and not for catching. Winston Junior should take all the beating.

Won last time out at Sandown. A rise of 4 lbs should be no bother to him. The second that day, New Order, since ran a gallant third in a 0-150 race at Cheltenham, beaten only 1.75 lengths. The fourth, Ideal Des Bordes, finished second next time out at Newbury in a 0-145. Java Point, who was fifth that day, dropped to Hunter Chase company and won. The form looks really strong, with In d'Or challenging once again for honours; he would be the danger.

La Conquiere has been applying her trade slightly under the radar. She won in quite taking fashion at Newbury last time out. The mare seems to have plenty up her sleeve, and we are yet to see what she can do against consistent types like Nurse Susan. Favourites generally have a great record in this race, and although we don't know where her ceiling is, the form from her bumper days and hurdles seems to be stacking up well.

Although Vincenzo appears to be a strong favorite for this contest, they generally don't have a habit of winning this race. Etalon, a winner last time out at Ascot, returns 5 lb higher. Hopefully the application of cheek pieces will find a few more pounds in the bag. The last five winners were rated 134, 140, 152, 140, and 150. Dan Skelton's runner was placed in three of those five renewals. Another one you couldn't write off is Hitman, who was second in this race last year off 156. He could go close again returning to handicap company.

Slade Steel may well have the perfect opportunity to convert a win. In his four starts over fences he has finished brought down, 2nd, 2nd and 2nd. That was to no ordinary competition. First start beaten by Better Days Ahead. Second start was against Lecky Watson. Third start Predators Gold. Last start was brought down, well travelling reasonably well. Having been 10 lengths in front of Wingmen when they first met, I can't see that form reversing, and the rest are well exposed.

Came From Nowhere is doing exactly that. Hardly asked a question when winning at Hereford in December. The first-time tongue strap seems to have brought about improvement. Off a mark of just 124, it looks to be the only progressive contender in this fairly exposed field. Previous winners come from this range. Best of the rest are Samuel Spade, now with cheek pieces for the first time and returning to a winning mark with course form to boot. Surrey Lord is another improver, having been beaten before by Came From Nowhere and have since both won. I'd fancy Came From Nowhere to be the stronger of the pair.

By far the best horse on the whole of today's card at Ascot. Multiple Grade 1 winner. Should follow up on his Tingle Creek success.

Big eye-catcher on last run. Looks the one to beat returning to a course Mr Nugget has previously been successful at.