Ivan Grozny looks on a potentially handy mark in the Duke Of Edinbrugh Stakes at Royal Ascot today (5.00) and worth siding with at 14/1.
The gelding had some useful form on the level when trained in France, winning twice and finishing a 1 3/4 length third in a Group 3 at Longchamp.
The six-year-old has since developed into a smart hurdler since joining trainer Willie Mullins, winning three times including a valuable handicap hurdle at Aintree two starts back on soft ground in impressive fashion.
Ivan Grozny was the far from disgraced when fifth in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr, and has since been given a break to freshen-up and presumably been targeted at this.
He is able to run off a mark of 101, and having been rated as high a 145 over the obstacles that looks exploitable.
Ivan Grozny also acts on the ground, and with Martin Harley in the saddle everything looks in place for a big run.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Ivan Grozny (14/1 William Hill – BOG)