Friday's Best Bets: Jericho can Battle to listed glory

Embed from Getty Images

Tippin’ Jimmy gives us his verdict on the racing from Ascot, Fontwell and Dundalk.

2:00 Ascot – Alaadel (7/2)

Jim Crowley is in the saddle aboard this unexposed three-year-old seeking a second career success. He has finished second on his last two visits to the racecourse, when not beaten too far at Ffos Las and at this venue. His most recent half-a-length defeat was rather unlucky as he encountered plenty of traffic, despite a 3lb rise he should be able to be very competitive once more.

2:45 Fontwell – Adrien Du Pont (4/7)

An odds-on shot, but one that is worth adding to those accumulators is Adrien Du Pont. Paul Nicholls’ five-year-old has always been a chaser in the making, and makes his first start over fences this afternoon. He has won at Grade One level as a juvenile, and his hurdles rating of 143 makes him the class act in this field. He should progress to a nice chaser, and I expect him to make a winning start this afternoon.

3:10 Ascot – Waqaas (33/1) ew

Waqaas is very much the second string for the Al Maktoum’s this afternoon, but is a horse who has a strong chance on his best form. He was a good juvenile, when winning his maiden pretty well and then not beaten too far when last of four rivals in a tactical Richmond Stakes. He’s been disappointing on his two starts this year, but has a strong each-way chance at a huge price.

4:55 Ascot – Master Singer (13/2)

Another who needs to improve a little is John Gosden’s Master Singer. He was an astoundingly easy maiden winner, but since switched to handicapping hasn’t been firing. He finished midfield at Royal Ascot, and then in the Melrose at York and a bit more is needed here. The step up in trip could help him, and a 2lb drop is a bonus.

7:00 Dundalk – Battle Of Jericho (5/2)

Ballydoyle have had a fantastic season once again with their juveniles, and Battle Of Jericho is one that maybe could progress into a pattern winner this season. He broke his maiden on his third start, winning only by a length but was asked very little by his rider. He comes from a classy family, is improving, and certainly worth watching.