14:05 Chester

I still have high hopes for MUJTABA and I know he blew out to some extent in the Lincoln but he wasn’t entirely disgraced beaten five lengths and I expect him to be a lot sharper now. He runs off the same mark and with this step up in trip sure to suit on breeding I think he represents a good bet to get back on track. The way he won on handicap debut as a 3yo was very impressive so there must be more to come yet. There is plenty of pace to tuck in behind here so hopefully, Jim Crowley has him in a perfect position to pounce. Brentford Hope has plenty of ability and this test will suit but he doesn’t have the best record fresh and it wouldn’t surprise me if he came on for the run. Lord Protector is one I expect to do well as a 4yo so he has to be considered as one of the dangers along with Baryshnikov. The latter won well at Pontefract on return and should remain competitive despite a 5lb rise.

16:00 Ascot

This is usually won by a nice horse and I think SAGA fits the bill for John and Thady Gosden. He was a promising second to Modern Games on debut last year before bumping into subsequent Guineas winner Coroebus on just his second start. He won in the style of a nice colt over C&D and I thought he shaped encouragingly when second to Maljoom on return at Kempton. I know he was turned over at odds-on but he just looked to need the run and the winner had a fitness edge having won at Doncaster on debut back in March. He will improve and with rain in the forecast conditions could be ideal. The danger looks to be Thunder Legend who took a big step forward to win easily at Hamilton when last seen back in August. He has since moved yards to William Haggas and has been gelded. He looks the most obvious threat but Tylos is another one who brings potential to the table.