Ascot preview: Sodexo Silver Cup Handicap Chase (15.00)

The son of Beneficial certainly has a few pounds in hand based on his hurdles’ rating, and Salubrious also remains unexposed over fences and open to further improvement.

Plenty of dangers

Houblon Des Obeaux has conditions to suit and looks capable of going well from a sliding mark, whilst Pendra is a big player for trainer Charlie Longsdon if backing up his recent success over course and distance.

For those looking for a lively outsider, The Giant Bolster fits the bill. The David Bridgwater trained gelding finished runner-up to Synchronised in the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Festival, and also ran well in the same contest to finish fourth to Bobs Worth in 2013 and an excellent 3/4 length third to Lord Windermere in 2014.

Having been rated 164 at his peak, the 10-year-old is now able to race off a reduced mark of 149 having shaped better than the bare result suggests last time out when a 30 length seventh of 15 to Smad Place in the Hennessy at Newbury.

The Giant Bolster showed plenty of zest to race at the head of affairs until weakening two from home, and it was an effort which suggested he was no back number.

This is also by far the easiest assignment that The Giant Bolster has faced for some time, and with Tom Scudamore in the saddle it would be no surprise to see him outrun his odds.

Related

Check out more Ascot action with Coral’s section on racing from there.

Coral’s top tip: Salubrious looks on a handy mark and well worth a wager to maintain his unbeaten record over fences. The Giant Bolster is capable of going well at a big price.