More to follow
18:10 Ascot
NO RETREAT –1.25 Point Each Way @ 25/1 6 places generally
AKKADIAN THUNDER –1 Point Each Way @ 16/1 Bet365 6 places, 14/1 6 places generally
I don’t mind having one from each side and from the low numbers No Retreat makes plenty of appeal at 25/1 for George Scott and Callum Shepherd.
A non-runner in the Victoria Cup, I liked his seasonal comeback at Haydock over a mile as he travelled like the winner and went clear on the rail only to be collared by a couple of horses challenging down the centre of the track.
That was a good effort and it confirmed the impression from Meydan that a strongly-run seven at a stiff track like Ascot could be absolutely perfect for him.
He travels away nicely and I like how he quickened to win the Lincoln Navigator Handicap over seven out in Dubai. He has all the tools to thrive in an environment like this.
Akkadian Thunder has been unlucky in two big C & D handicaps when tipped and I very much liked the way he won LTO.