GET your teenage kicks from the Bateaux London Gold Cup.
REGAL ENCORE (3.15) might have got to the grand old age of 14 but there are reasons to think he can teach his younger rivals a trick or two.
He absolutely loves Ascot and has a fine record in this race. His win in 2020 is sandwiched by placed efforts, including when third 12 months ago.
He’s also only twice finished out of the frame over today’s course and distance in his last 11 visits to the Royal track.
Those below par efforts did come last season but he does have an excellent record when returning from a break and his trainer Anthony Honeyball has his team in great shape. Have 1pt each-way at 20-1. Several bookies are paying out on five places.
HACKER DES PLACES (2.05) ended last season strongly by winning the race after the Grand National.
That looked a competitive handicap hurdle and he could easily have been shunted up higher in the weights.
There’s every chance Paul Nicholls’ five-year-old will have improved a fair chunk for his summer break and the champion trainer has predictably been firing in the winners in the last few weeks.
His regular rider Angus Cheleda takes off 5lb from the top weight, who is sure to be taking on higher-rated rivals than he does in this contest later in the season.
I’ve no doubt he should be favourite, so the 11-2 on offer looks good value. Have 3pts to win.
Wetherby’s Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase card has attracted some high-class performers for the feature races but, later on, GERYVILLE (4.45) looks to have a decent shout.
He won at this meeting first time out last year and went on to become a consistent chaser.
His trainer Micky Hammond has been in great form so he should be ready after his summer break. Have 1pt to win at 6-1.
We’re into the last knockings of the Flat season but Newmarket’s card contains some interesting races.
DARTMAN (2.48) is ready for the step up to 1m1f for the first time on his handicap debut having run well in three 7f novice races. Have 1pt to win at 17-2.
