Wincanton are set to stage a good seven-race card on Saturday and when glancing through the declarations I was immediately drawn to the progressive CLOUDY GLEN, who looked set to land a decent prize at Sandown two weeks ago before falling victim to a similarly progressive novice in the form of Deise Aba.
The seven-year-old earned a 3lbs rise for that effort, but he was pitched in against seasoned opposition and he acquitted himself well, and I am sure that the experience won’t be lost on him going forwards.
It’s possible that the three-mile trip and steep uphill finish caught Cloudy Glen out that day, especially given how keen he was during the race. He should enjoy returning to two and a half miles (011712F1R) on ground that will suit and he remains open to plenty of improvement in this sphere.
It should also be noted that he was also entered in novice company at Haydock - a track at which he boasts an unblemished (2-2) record. It may therefore be significant that connections have elected to head to Wincanton instead.
Competitive three-mile handicap chases at Ascot seem to suit some more than others, perhaps none more so than Regal Encore, who was successful over this course and distance in December.
However, VALTOR has also demonstrated his liking for the Berkshire track since arriving from France and he looks fairly treated on the pick of his form.
This 11-year-old is only 2lbs higher than when routing his opposition over this course and distance on his British debut in December 2018, and he again displayed his liking for Ascot when defeating subsequent Grade Two scorer Redford Road over hurdles in November.
Valtor bumped into the classy Yala Enki when placing third at Taunton last month, a run that will have got his eye back in over fences, and he will arrive here with his yard in good form.
Connections have been shrewd in exploiting his novice status over hurdles, but he is clearly a much better chaser than he is a hurdler and with trip, track and ground firmly in his favour he is undoubtedly a huge player.