Expert analysis and trainer insight for this competitive handicap

2.30 Ascot
Betfred "Fred's Pushes" Handicap | 1m4f | 3yo+ | ITV4/SKY

William Haggas saddles two of the principals in this contest in the shape of Country and Dal Horrisgle. Stamina is the question mark hanging over recent Newmarket winner Country.

The four-year-old scored over this 1m4f trip on that occasion, but he ran very keenly in a race that appeared to develop into more of a test of speed than stamina.

Country had the run of the race against the rail on the stands’ side, which appeared favoured in the early races on that day, and this will be a completely different test at the trip. Ascot is a much stiffer track than Newmarket’s July course and they race downhill to Swinley Bottom from the 1m4f start, which won’t help.

There is a serious doubt about whether Tom Marquand, who rides Country for the first time, will be able to get this keen-going type to settle in the early part of the contest and a wide draw in stall eight isn’t ideal either. He could easily get caught on the outside without cover.

Dal Horrisgle has also yet to win over this far, but his pedigree screams stamina. His Champs Elysees half-brother Dal Harraild won over two miles and the dam Dalvina scored at 1m4f.

Dal Horrisgle: is looking for his first win over this tripCredit: Grossick Racing

That might give him the edge on stablemate Country, but there are other dangers lurking.

Almania could be the answer on just his second outing for David Simcock, who is adept at bringing improvement from late maturing middle-distance and staying types like this horse.

Brought along slowly by former trainer Sir Michael Stoute, Almania was a big eyecatcher when third behind the wildly impressive Fujaira Prince in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot.

He lost second only late over 1m6f on that occasion after being forced wide on the home bend and shaped like he would be suited by a drop in trip. He can make his stamina tell now he is back at 1m4f.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

David Elsworth, trainer of Dash Of Spice
He ran well on his comeback after a while off and we could do with a winner as we've not had a lot of luck lately. If they get some rain it may help his chances.

David Simcock, trainer of Almania
He was drawn very wide at Royal Ascot and just got tired in the straight but still ran very well. We know he's suited by the track and the trip, and he should run well in what looks a very competitive handicap.

Almania: finished third in the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot last timeCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

George Margarson, trainer of Protected Guest
The slow ground has been against him the last two times he's run but he could take a bit of beating in this if the rain stays away. He's got form at the track and has been working well at home.

William Haggas, trainer of Dal Horrisgle & Country
Dal Horrisgle ran a satisfactory first race of the season and has come on for that, so I would hope for an improved performance again. Country needs rain to take the sting out of the ground. He’s very well in himself and I thought he put up a good performance when winning at Newmarket last time.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Jeremiah
His two most recent runs have been pretty decent given the layoff he'd had beforehand, most recently when making eyecatching progress on desperate ground at Haydock. He's wearing blinkers for the first time but he wears them at home and I would not be surprised to see him outrun his odds.
Reporting by David Milnes

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