Leicester Preview: Ajjaadd holds all the aces

Ajjaadd is unbeaten at Leicester and looks decent value to maintain that record with victory in the 5f contest there today (5.25).

Trained by Ted Powell, the gelding is a useful sort when things drop right as he showed when winning over course and distance in 2012 and when making a winning seasonal reappearance last year at Epsom off a mark of 95.

The eight-year-old went on to finish an excellent second of 27 to Rex Imperator in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood off 98, and although his form has been hit and miss this season Ajaadd showed he retained plenty of ability when a cracking second of 15 to Milly’s Gift at Sandown three starts back from a poor draw.

Things have not gone to plan in two subsequent starts, especially last time out at Sandown where the son of Elusive Quality got no luck in-running whatsoever and finished full of running in midfield.

The smaller field this afternoon should enable him to get an ideal position to hopefully be produced late on the scene by jockey William Twiston Davies, and the return to this venue has to be a big plus given that Ajjaadd has won both his starts over course an distance.

The unexposed High Church endured a torrid passage last time out and can get back to winning ways in the 1m 4f handicap (3.50).

The Roger Charlton trained gelding got not run whatsoever when finishing sixth of 11 at Salisbury after being given plenty do do, and had previously looked a handicapper to keep on side when beating Loving Home by a short-head over 1m 2f at Sandown.

The son of High Chaparral showed a good attitude that day, and should have more to offer after just five career starts.

The three-year-old’s current mark of 82 may well be on the lenient side, and with James Doyle in the saddle High Church looks sure to take all the beating.

In the 7f handicap (4.20), Askaud looks a bit of each-way value having dropped in the weights.

The Scott Dixon trained mare was in good form last season when bagging three handicaps, with two of those successes coming over course and distance.