With short-priced favourites in both the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and the Champion Chase at Down Royal, the big race verdict sets sail for the big handicap of the afternoon. The London Gold Cup is the highlight of the ITV Racing action at Ascot, looking a typically deep renewal. Our experts have looked over the race and give their thoughts below.
It’s a bit of a punt, but I like the chances of the once smart Glen Forsa. He’s rated just 137 these days, but back as a novice chaser, he was a Grade 2 winner and rated 150 at his peak. His current rating is justified, given how poor he’s been in recent years, but there have been glimpses of his talent and he makes his debut for a new yard today.
The effect that a change of scenery can have shouldn’t be underestimated and Charlie Longsdon, his new trainer, applies the tongue-tie. Perhaps what is most interesting, however, is the fact he’s upped to the three-mile distance. On his sole run at near this trip (2m 7f), he won his chasing debut, and that suggests he could have untapped potential over this distance – Owen Goulding
There have been some stiff tasks set for Vinndication since winning this contest in 2019. Interestingly, that is the last time that he raced right-handed. Given that he’s 3/3 at this track and 7/8 when going right-handed compared to 0/6 left-handed, it has to be a bit of a surprise that he has spent the last two years going the wrong way round!
His current handicap rating is seven pounds higher than when landing this contest but his form since suggests that it is going to be within his capabilities. He ran to an RPR of 165 on his seasonal debut last year, a repeat of that would see him home in front – Matt Newman
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