'We've had this race in mind for him' - Dashing Roger bids for repeat win

Monday: 4.00 Leicester
Light Brigade Handicap | 1m | 3yo+ | RTV

Charlie Hills and Shadwell have been extremely tolerant with Afaak, who hasn't won in two years and four months since he held off a strong challenge from Clon Coulis in the Royal Hunt Cup in 2019. Perhaps their patience will now be rewarded.

Now a seven-year-old, Afaak seems to have been found the perfect spot to end his 12-race drought. The key to his chance is soft ground, which he will encounter for the first time since his Royal Ascot success.

The son of Oasis Dream hasn't been performing badly, barring a disappointing 22nd in last year's Cambridgeshire, and posted a clear career-best when runner-up to subsequent Balmoral fourth Nugget at Haydock last month. An RPR of 105 suggests he still retains the ability to win off an official mark of 99.

Despite the fact he appears to have plenty in his favour, backing a horse who has struggled to find the winner's enclosure in recent years at a relatively short price requires plenty of trust. Is there a better value alternative?

The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Chance is likely go off second favourite despite beating a total of just three rivals on his last two starts.

By far his best effort came on heavy ground at Newmarket this time last year and he appears well treated if he can replicate that performance.

Last year's winner, Dashing Roger, also has to be considered, especially given he has held his form better than the majority of his rivals this season.

Dashing Roger: winning at the Shergar Cup meetingCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

He bolted up in this race last year off a mark of 88 but could be in the grip of the handicapper off 16lb higher.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

William Stone, trainer of Dashing Roger
He's in good form. Ideally, we'd want it as soft as possible for him and while the ground looks like it may be drying up, we hope it'll be quite sticky as it will help him. His win at Ascot at the Shergar Cup came on soft ground and we've had this race in mind for him as we thought the ground would be soft enough now.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Afaak
I was really delighted with his run last time, but unfortunately we couldn't get him into the Balmoral Cup, so he comes here instead. He's only had two runs this year but that isn't because of a setback, it's just the way it's been. The small field should help and I'm happy with him.

Henry Candy, trainer of Greenside
He's nearly as old as me now, but moves a lot better! He's in good shape and should run a good race, and even though there are a few rivals in there a lot younger than him, I expect him to be one of the ones who copes with the ground well.
Reporting by Matt Rennie

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