The well-treated First Post shaped as if coming back to his best last time out and makes plenty of each-way appeal at 10/1 in the 4.45 at Ascot today now dropped back in trip.
Derek Haydn Jones’ gelding won twice on the turf last season, with his last win coming in a 15-runner handicap over a mile at Goodwood off a mark of 77 in October.
Since then he has been kept busy on the all-weather and ran really well three starts back when third of 13 to Squire Osbaldeston at Kempton over 1m 2f.
He kept on well from the rear that day to be be beaten just over 5 lengths, and then wasn’t disgraced over 1m 3f at when fifth at the saem track over a trip which is too far.
The seven-year-old then put in a cracking effort last time out in a 1m 2f handicap at Newbury, where he travelled well before leading at the furlong marker before weakening close home to finish 1 1/4 lengths third of 14 to Top Diktat off a mark of 74.
It was an effort which suggested his time was near, and the drop back to a mile today is a major plus.
Altough he now gets into this contest of 3lb higher (77), that is the same as when last successful and gives him every chance at the weights.
The soft ground also holds no fears, and with Dane O’Neill in the saddle everything looks in place for a huge run.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way First Post (10/1 Ladbrokes – BOG)