1m7½f (1m7f152y) Betfair Exchange Trophy (A Handicap Hurdle) (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
Goshen is a fascinating runner off 153 and his best form suggests he’s better than that. However, catching him on a going day is the challenge, he’d like softer ground to be at his best, and his price has tightened up. I’d expect WEST CORK to confirm the Greatwood form with No Ordinary Joe despite a swing against him in the weights as he traveled through the race like the best horse. He feels a big price to follow up here at 8/1 and the drying ground helps his chances. SAMARRIVE was a highly impressive winner two weeks ago and has been hiked up to West Cork’s rating of 141 – an 11lb rise – but I think 8/1 is very backable. He did everything with ease at Sandown, jumping particularly impressively, and I can’t shake the feeling he’s destined for better things than handicaps.
1pt win West Cork @8/1, 15:35 Ascot, Saturday
1pt win Samarrive @8/1, 15:35 Ascot, Saturday