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Alan Dudman looks at two races at Ascot on Saturday for a 35/136.00 double
I backed Kap Vert last time out at Kempton but he couldn't "get the job done" unfortunately with a fair third - no more than that.
An early error at the second put him on the backfoot over the 3m and another mistake late on ruined all chances, and I'm sure that was the difference between the win or place behind Viroflay.
I am prepared to give him another chance as he looked good at Taunton - winning easily upped in trip for his chase debut, but crucially his jumping there was better than at Ascot.
His two runs over fences thus far have both been on good ground, and with a little ease and a stiffer track, they might not go as quick which will pressure his jumping less and the yard have had a winner at Ascot this term at 1-5 20%.
Back Kap Vert in the Ascot 13:00
Surrey Lord is a such a strong travelling type of horse, he looks set for a big run despite having a bit to find on form for the 14:53.
This will be his toughest assignment to date for a Class 2 race, but I don't think the top weight Tripoli Flyer is as good as he once was, while the second and third top weights Faivior and Metier are not exactly progressive with a combined age between them at 20 years.
Surrey Lord won a couple of races in October and November at Ffos Las and Kempton and has improved greatly since then and his score at Kempton last time was his best yet.
There were many facets that pleased in the win. The way he travelled on the inside goes without saying, but a couple of lovely fluent jumps at his hurdles dragged him into contention coming from the back, and the way he motored home despite a faller at the last to his left was deeply impressive. He was half a second quicker than the runner-up and nearly a full second faster than the third.
That was over 2m5f at Kempton and a rise of 6lb might be lenient and trainer Toby Lawes said after Kempton he doesn't know where the bottom of the pit is as he does have an extra gear late on.
Back Surrey Lord in the 14:53 at Ascot
Back Alan's two tips in a double in one click here -->