Unexposed chaser looks sure to improve for step up in trip

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1.50 Ascot
1pt winSomchine
2.25 Ascot
1pt each-wayBallyoisin
3.05 Down Royal
2pts winDefinitly Red
3.15 Wetherby
1pt each-wayDark Flame
3.35 Ascot
2pts each-wayIt's frightening how many times the weather has ruined my midweek ante-post punting this year and with dark clouds set to hang over Ascot all morning, there's a worry it's going to happen again.

was my idea of the bet of the week in the Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase (3.35) and, although he's a lot shorter now than he was, that is still the case – as long as the ground doesn't get too soft.

The case for Richard Rowe's eight-year-old is very simple. He looks exceptionally well handicapped on two pieces of early-season form last last year, the first when slamming More Buck's, who won his next two, by eight lengths at Sandown and then when running third to Poker School in a 15-runner handicap chase here in December.