Harry Derham has made a fine start to the season and is in red-hot form of late. He’s operating at a strike-rate of 33 per cent in the last fortnight and is worth keeping an eye on. Derham has also had one winner from just two runners at Ascot so far this season and that’s why he’s the man to follow at the Berkshire track on Friday. We’ve combined his three runners into treble for your consideration. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Monviel bolted up in a competitive handicap hurdle for Phillip Hobbs on this card last year. Making his chase and stable debut at Newton Abbot last time out, he was a fair second behind JPR One. That horse was in the process of winning a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last weekend before unseating his rider at the last. On that evidence, Monviel should have every chance of getting his head in front here. It’s also worth noting that this horse is our Nap of the Day.
Fidelio Vallis could probably do with some help from the handicapper but he’s got a terrific attitude and has a good record over fences. He was second on seasonal debut last time out and could go one better here, with Alice Stevens taking 5lb off. It has been a while since he last won but he deserves to return to the winners’ enclosure and shouldn’t be discounted.
Scamallach Liath was beginning to show signs of improvement for Oliver Sherwood last year and finished second in a similar race here back in April. The handicapper has responded with a 3lb rise but if he can continue on an upward trajectory, it would be no surprise to see him get off the mark. The best is almost certainly yet to come from this six-year-old.
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