Down Royal jolly faces stiff task at the weights

American Gigolo
12.40 Ascot
SP forecast 11-8

Standout performance in first season as a novice was 18 and a half-length seventh to Pingshou in Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree and other form nowhere near that level despite win in May, when had to work to justify odds of 8-11. Since moved to Harry Fry and first-time tongue-tie goes on.

Conclusion Aintree form is suspect – he only beat two fellow rags – and I'm happy enough to take him on.