Charidee Race Time

Good morning all,

Off to Ascot for what looks a very difficult card and I can see the money staying in my pocket for much of the afternoon, but there's an opportunity to possibly make a few quid before the “real” racing kicks off as there's the well-publicised charity race at 12.15. Some bloke called Michael Owen appears to be the centre of attention for it (and will no doubt attract the lion's share of the money) but as I've said before, these races can offer up some value if you can put a bit of legwork in. Which is what I've done this morning, and my thoughts are on the main piece. (Bookmakers will offer prices later in the morning, so it's worth a look). 

Here's the runners and riders for today.

Calder Prince – No stone will have been left unturned in an effort to get Michael on the winner and Tom Dascombe has put him on a decent one. Trip will be ideal, ground not an issue, but how good is Michael? He's up against some fairly experienced campaigners in this sphere and is likely to be overbet.

Ghalib – Just about the best of these on the Flat, last seen winning at the end of October at Windsor (rated 89 after that win), trip and ground both ideal but the Sheikh…the last time I saw him ride one in one of these races he fell off at the two pole. To be fair he'd already done three miles so was probably knackered. Obvious chance, but there may be value elsewhere…

Golden Wedding – No slouch on the Flat but was actually behind Ghalib in that Windsor race last time out. Again, no issues with trip or ground but the rider appears to be some sort of financial advisor, and I have little or no idea about his riding experiences.

One Style – Rider is fine but better known as a hurdler, so unless they stick four obstacles in the way, is likely to get rather outpaced.

Mr Red Clubs – Quite interesting. Ideally would want another furlong or two, and does have a bit to find at the weights, but his rider is a regular in these events and has, as far as I can see, ridden a few winners. He's talking a good game – he did an interview with a local paper and has said he'd be disappointed if he's out of the first three. Has backed himself each-way, too.

Scottish Glen – Another to catch the eye. Charity race it may be, but it's to be remembered Scottish Glen likes it here and 7f is his trip too. He may not be the force that perhaps he once was but he's still capable and has the services of Harry Meade – one of Britain's leading event riders, says his website (harrymeade.com) – and it wouldn't be a surprise if he went close.

Alketios – Lowly rated and even if you put Dickie Johnson on board I'd be struggling to fancy it.

Big Chill – Good rider on board (another event rider) but plenty to find at these weights – some two stone behind the best of these.

Lambeau Field – Better known as a hurdler/chaser and given he started his career off over 1m2f, this 7f looks plenty short enough.

Soaring Spirits – Trip and ground fine, but looks on the downgrade now (rated just 58 at present, was mid-70's at his peak) and I can find little about the jockey.

Obviously price will be key but Scottish Glen and, to a lesser extent, Mr Red Clubs are the pair that interest me most at this stage. Hopefully, back the winner, stick a tenner in the charity bucket and enjoy the rest of the afternoon!

I would add – if you're going, don't ignore the Tote. The pool will be small but there's often tremendous value to be had there as well, laughably in the place market if you don't go mad and skew it! I remember Trafalgar Rock winning at even money in one of these at Warwick earlier this year – paid 5/2 for a place on the Tote!

As for the rest of the card, the only one that makes a bit of appeal is Rockpoint in the 1.30, who ran well here last time and might have gone very close but for a bad mistake two out. That was a fair step up on his previous run and he seems to be improving nicely. 12-1 looks a bit big in a wide open novice and I've had a small e/w bet.

Good luck with all your bets today,

David.