Friday Racing Tips from Architect

PERSUASION (best price 9/1) caught the eye when a fast-finishing eight at Ayr last-time-out and given he’s won and made the frame off higher marks, he is handicapped to have a say in the outcome here. He wants a strongly-run contest and this course often favours hold-up horses, so if he can put his best foot-forward under an underestimated rider, who’s won six of her fourteen rides this year, he should easily be competitive with four places widely available. 

I cannot believe the nine-year-old and course specialist ZHUI FENG (best price 40/1) is available at such large odds. I know he hasn’t been seen for six months and isn’t the force of old but he has gone well fresh in the past and he has an excellent record at this course, in which he's a former Hunt Cup winner and has made the frame off marks of 98, 106, and 97 at this course too. He’s not the horse he once was but down to a career-low mark, back at this scene of his career-best performances, it would come as no surprise to see him exceed market expectations in the opener. Four places generally available. 

GIAVELLOTTO (best price 11/4) should be favourite for this race in my opinion. Secret State is a good horse but the former ran a huge race in the St Leger last time when rightfully promoted to third after suffering interference. I think he would have finished at least second with a clear passage and his performance can be upgraded to an even further extent as that was his first start in a Group 1. He is getting better and better with each start and this course should massively play to his strengths. He brings the best form to the table, is the highest rated in the field and is open to further progress, so there’s a lot to like about his chances. 

With fitness on his side, THE GOLDEN REBEL (best price 9/4) should be capable of winning this event. He shaped very well when fourth in a bunch finish at Uttoxeter last time and the form has a lot of substance given the winner Kinondo Kwetu has bolted up at Southwell since to complete the four-timer. He is three-pounds below his last winning mark and is fitter than all of his rivals, plus this course should suit as he is seen to best effect under an attacking ride. He has gone back up two-pounds but he’s still below his last winning mark and can capitalise on his assured fitness and get his head in front.  

THUNDER LEGEND (best price 13/2) gained a much-deserved reward for his consistency when absolutely battering his rivals at Newmarket a month ago in first-time blinkers. He is in a much deeper race here but that performance was good on the clock and he was well-suited to positive tactics. With more to offer, he’s taken to handle the faster ground and make his presence felt against this stiffer opposition. I still think he has the capabilities to rate higher, so he looks a good price to at least make the frame and extend his consistent form figures. 

RHYTHM N ROCK (best price 17/2) shaped well when third on his handicap debut last time after four months off and might have won with a clear passage too. That was off a mark of 90 and he was carrying top-weight too, so it was a really good effort in defeat and his form figures in the UK so far reads 3113. He has beaten two horses rated 90 plus in both his victories, so he looks really well-handicapped off 90 and Jim Crowley has been appointed to ride again too. With loads more to come, and competing off a mark he should surpass, he makes plenty of each-way appeal against the favourite in the finale.