Friday Double...

Ascot 15:30 - Doubly Guest E/W
2m, Class 2 Novices' Handicap Hurdle - Good

Nicky Henderson's filly has some smart form to her name over the obstacles this season with the likes of Binocular albeit an 18l 4Th at Kempton and Whiteoak who she also came 4Th to at Ascot. Well we all know what those two have achieved this season don't we! A winner last time out, that should have been a confidence booster and as long as she settles early on in the race The Analyst expects a bold showing.
UP 7/1

Having been the long time leader, Doubly Guest, pulled doubly hard and never really settled in to a rhythm today. This inability to relax meant that although he was bang in contention jumping the 2ND last, he could find no extra and missed out on a place by 7 3/4l's.

Ascot 16:40 - Briery Fox E/W
3m, Class 2 Handicap Chase - Good

What a great idea these veterans races are. Half decent prize money and the chance to compete amongst your own age group. The selection ran a blinder last time out at Newbury and The Analyst does have a slight soft spot for this animal. On the whole he jumps soundly and I feel the slight drop in distance is in his favour. The only negative I can see is the ground. He probably prefers a tiny bit of cut, but I can still see Henry Daly's charge running a good one and at least grabbing a place.
2ND 5/1

Jumping is the name of this game, and when the last fence was dolled off and left a very long run-in that essentially put pay to Briery Fox's chance. Jumping better than all his rivals, sources close to The Analyst felt sure we would have been celebrating another winner if it weren't for the change of course. As its was we managed to get our money back in the E/W stakes.