Coral Racing Ambassador, Joe Tizzard, previews his two runners at Ascot on Saturday, including one in the penultimate contest on the card who he believes will only benefit from the rain if it arrives.

12:25 Ascot – Western Knight

Western Knight did surprise us a little bit when he won nicely at Uttoxeter first time up. We’ve always thought he was a nice young horse, but it was still a pleasant surprise to see him win like he did, as we don’t rush to get them ready. This is a fair step up in class for him, but he deserves the chance, and for an Ascot novice hurdle, it’s not a big field.

He'll definitely improve for the Uttoxeter run, and there’s a decent pot up for grabs, so he’s well worth his place, and this will tell us a lot more about him. 

15:20 Ascot – Triple Trade

Triple Trade won’t mind if there’s rain between now and race time, as he handles softer ground well, and having finished third in this race last year, we know he likes Ascot. He’s actually rated three pounds lower than this time last year, but he’ll improve for his Cheltenham reappearance last month.

It’s a £100,000 race, so obviously competitive, but this is his level, and if they do get plenty of rain, it will only help his chances.

Joe Tizzard, Coral Racing Ambassador