Ascot Friday 20th December

A big weekend ahead and two bets Friday, probably three Saturday.

Bet 1 Champagne Twist 1pt ew 6/1 Advised 4 places

Bet 2 Fasol 2pt win 3/1 B.O.G 2.30 Ascot

Bet 3 1pt ew Double 7/2 BOG ( 6/1 has gone) Champagne Twist and Fasol 3/1 BOG 2.30 Ascot

Champagne Twist is the first of our Case Study recommendations, although the gelding unseated rider 3 out on its Cheltenham debut, i am very certain he would have finished in the first 4 .

It is the horses from when winning the EBF Novices Hurdle at Sandown in March that cannot be ignored. The last 5 winners of that race have gone to be rated 150 or higher. It was an exceptional performance to win the final off the back of 1 maiden hurdle win and the gelding has huge scope for improvement. He will be a staying chaser in time but Pauling has wisely chosen to exploit the mark of 131 as a hurdler this season.

On Friday he gets into this 0-130 and with the booking of Callum Pritchard effectively runs off just 125.

Double Powerful is seeking a remarkable 7 timer but not only does he face another 7lb hike in the weights but also Pritchards allowance. The interview with trainer Neil Mulholland suggested today was an after thought rather than the plan. The only other danger is the Henderson runner East India Express who could be thrown in but with the yard still performing with no consistency we will be unlucky if that is the case.

Fosal 2.30

Fosal is kept to 2m having looked in need of the race and inexperienced on his seasonal debut in a Case Study race at Cheltenham. He raced just 14 days ago on Heavy ground at Sandown , when again in a race with no pace, he cruised through the race only to get caught for a turn of foot up the straight. on better ground and with surely a strong pace in this 18 runner field, he can go one better. Although he is short enough at 3/1 i think everything is right for him to exploit a generous handicap mark.

With both horses having been backed in the overnight market i suggest the horses are backed with B.O.G after 8.00am in the morning.