Swindler out to grab the bookies' cash in Silver Wokingham

12.40 AscotSilver Wokingham Handicap | 6f | 3yo+ | SKY

Swindler often goes off favourite and looks set to do so again despite carrying topweight in the inaugural running of the consolation for the Wokingham Handicap.

In contrast to similar contests, the opener has attracted a maximum field of 24 and that could cement its place in the fixture list in 2021.

Trained by Ed Walker, Swindler can be a bit of a handful before his races and has to be taken to post early, a chain of events that may well suit racing behind closed doors although he did disappoint in similar circumstances on his return at Newmarket this month.

Of the main dangers, Blue Mist is out to kick start a big day for Roger Charlton, Jason Watson and Khalid Abdullah and is tackling six furlongs for the first time.

Twice a winner over a mile in his younger days, the son of Makfi is dropping to sprints after his second to Breath Of Air over 7f at Newbury this month.

What they say

Andrea Atzeni, rider of Swindler
He’s sure to have come on plenty for his comeback run at Newmarket and is back at Ascot where he is two from two. He still looks ahead of his mark after just seven career starts.

Amanda Perrett, trainer of Open Wide
He's not found his best form so far this year but is improving. However he does need the ground to dry out.

Tim Palin, racing manager to Middleham Park Racing, owner of Magical Wish
Until I saw he was drawn in stall one I would have said he goes there with a big shout as he loves a stiff six furlongs and a fast pace. He also goes on any ground from good to firm to soft. We've Ryan Moore booked and everything was looking rosy until the ballot but if the dynamic of where they are racing changes he goes there with every chance.

Roger Charlton, trainer of Blue Mist
He won impressively over a mile at Ascot in 2018 but he's always looked like a seven-furlong horse. He showed plenty of speed in his comeback run at Newbury and was just beaten by another Juddmonte runner. It will be interesting to drop back to six furlongs at a track that suits him. He really needs a fast-run race, which is what usually happens in the Wokingham.

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Chiefofchiefs
I'm a bit gutted he didn't get into the Wokingham but bringing him back to six furlongs on this sort of ground will suit him and I expect him to run a massive race. When he was running against the likes of Lord North over further he was last off the bridle so hopefully this will open up other doors for him.

Alastair Donald, spokesman for King Power Racing, owner of Vintage Brut
He's a real mudlark who could outrun his odds on a going day but he has his own way of doing things.

Clive Cox, trainer of Louie De Palma
He's a solid performer who likes the track and is well up to performing at this level. It's his first run this year but we're very happy with him.

William Haggas, trainer of Aplomb and Nahaarr
Aplomb wants soft ground and ran very well on his comeback at Newmarket, while Nahaarr wants faster ground so we’ll just do a rain check tomorrow. They’re both talented horses. Nahaar is back in trip and he could be dangerous.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Embour
He's run two good races already this year so should be fitter than most and we are claiming off him to give him every chance.

Richard Hannon: saddles EmbourCredit: Edward Whitaker

Steve Parkin, executive chairman of Clipper Logistics, owners of Burmese Waltz
We were delighted with her first run back at Kempton which set her up nicely for this although the ground is a worry.

Richard Spencer, trainer of Bernardo O'Reilly
He likes some ease in the ground and Martin Dwyer gets on really well with him. He's just sneaked in the bottom and hopefully can run a nice race.

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