Gabriel’s Lad has a good record at Ascot and makes plenty of appeal at 14/ 1in the Challenge Cup there today (3.45).
Dennis Coakley’s gelding has won twice and finished in the frame once in six runs at the track, and his last success came over course and distance when landing the 2014 running of the ultra-competitive 25-runner Victoria Cup.
The six-year-old ran on strongly to berat Glen Moss by a comfortable 2 1/4 lengths off a mark of 102, and went on to round off the campaign with a cracking fourth to Absolutely So in a Listed contest at York off an official rating of 109.
Gabriel’s Lad is now able to race in this off 104, just 2lb higher than when last successful, and that gives him major claims at the weights on the pick of his form.
He also comes into the race fresh after just two starts this season and looks to have been primed for it.
After shaping as if badly needing the run over course and distance at the beginning of last month following 379 days on the sidelines. Gabriel’s Lad put in an improved effort last time out when keeping on under tdner handling to finish sixth of nine to Hathal in a Listed contest at Newbury.
Those runs should have put him spit on for this, and with Oisin Murphy in the saddle everything looks in plaec for a big run.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Gabriel’s Lad (14/1 bet365, Ladbrokes – BOG)
