1.5pts win Lord Glitters @4/1, 0.75pts each-way The Grape Escape @11/1, 16:30 Ascot

The Balmoral Handicap has a slightly unusual complexion to it this year with two stand-out horses at the head of the market in Zabeel Prince and LORD GLITTERS, who are both racing off the same modest mark of 102.

Roger Varian’s charge looks a Group horse in the making, but he will do well to follow up a success just last week under a penalty, and instead the preference is for David O’Meara’s French recruit, who arrives on the same mark for his second start at his new yard.

Lord Glitters completely missed the break last time out when going down to the penalised Accidental Agent by a narrow margin where he looked unlucky having shaped brilliantly. Lord Glitters quickened nicely at this track, and is entitled to improve for the step up in trip on ground that will surely be in his favour having won over these types of conditions back in France for his previous trainer.

Admittedly, Lord Glitters has been well found in the market at 4/1, but the handicapper may be a good bit behind, and we will take him to put in a huge run.

At a slightly longer price and representing better value is the relatively lightly-raced THE GRAPE ESCAPE, for a man who could have the winner of the Champion Stakes by this time on Saturday in the shape of Barney Roy.

Richard Hannon’s entrant looks to be on an upward curve as well, and with the three-year-old officially a couple of pounds well-in he could put in a massive showing to pick up a hat-trick of wins.

The Grape Escape has looked a much improved horse since his summer break and is arriving in great form after those two wins over the mile trip. He is also one of the most unexposed colts in the race and could continue to progress from this mark.

The support for the top two in the market makes him difficult to ignore from a punting perspective at 11/1 with fair each-way terms on offer. With proven soft ground form in the book and a plumb draw in stall 12, where Sean Levey will be able to assess his options, he is a nice each-way bet to finish off the day’s proceedings.

1.5pts win Lord Glitters @4/1, 16:30 Ascot (Ladbrokes)
0.75pts each-way The Grape Escape @11/1, 16:30 Ascot (various bookmakers 1/5 odds, five places)

 

 

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