Nick Luck blog: Everglow can soar to Glory at Ascot

There’s an exciting card at Ascot on Friday in front of the ITV cameras, while they are also showing Graded action from Navan in Ireland too.

Here are Nick Luck’s thoughts.

Ascot

EVERGLOW looks the best option at 10/11 in a pretty thin TV opener at Ascot on Friday (1.20pm). He was a little bit disappointing against smart opponents on his seasonal debut, but took a step forward on deep ground last time, when it looked as though a switch to a right-handed track might suit. The main danger appears to be Nickelsonthedime, but that horse is arguably open to less progression and the selection will find few better opportunities on a Grade 1 track.

EDITEUR DU GITE is back down in class and could well take a bit of pegging back in the handicap chase (1.55pm) at 4/1. Although I’d prefer this to be an easier two miles, he gets into a great rhythm in full cry and should have less company for the lead than at Newbury last time in a stronger race. He has one high cruising speed, and this ground might very well suit on French form and pedigree.

SOARING GLORY faces a tough field in a particularly appealing running of the Kennel Gate (2.30pm). A rather unlucky faller at Wetherby (would have won), he had earlier beaten the very promising Bravemansgame and finished second to the equally exciting Dusart. This slightly stiffer test should suit judged on his excellent bumper form on deep ground, which encouragingly came at this track. This is no easy task, but he can make the most of the five pounds he receives from Llandinabo Lad at 11/2.

ALLART (3/1) is being asked a similarly tough question on his chasing debut in the Noel Novices’ Chase (3.05pm), but his run in a very hot edition of the Supreme Novices’ after a limited preparation was seriously encouraging. He was able to mix it with the big guns for much longer than Fiddlerontheroof and, although he lacks chasing experience, he jumped hurdles neatly and carefully. I have no doubt Pic D’Orhy is a classy horse, but he has been landing too steeply at his obstacles this season and this calibre of opposition will put more pressure on his jumping.

Navan

HOLYMACAPONY looked a really exciting prospect when beating a highly regarded Mullins favourite at Punchestown last month and can take the Graded novice at Navan (1.35pm) at 7/4. He does not yet boast the best form, but easily the most potential, and is favoured by the penalty structure here. It was encouraging that his hurdles win came as no surprise to his trainer, who immediately nominated this race as the likely target.

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