Giganticus up for the Totesport Challenge

No man likes to think of the racing term, 'being gelded', but there is no getting away from the fact that Giganticus, who runs in the big handicap at Ascot, has been in tip-top form since he underwent the operation.

He ran a blinder to win the Bunbury Cup, and his effort under a penalty to finish in the frame in the Totesport International at Ascot in late July was a magnificent effort.

He followed up that with an easy performance to win from Ceremonial Jade at Newmarket, before finishing well down the field at Chester. There were excuses for the four-year-old that day though, as he was drawn low. You try running around in a circle with 12 other people jostling you. I think it's fair to forgive him that run.

Barry Hills' runner is drawn well this time round; on the far rail where Dark Missile hacked up in the Wokingham at the Royal Meeting in June. Others to consider drawn on that side are Minority Report, who it must be said, has a mind of his own, and Jedburgh.

John Dunlop's grand campaigner is nothing like the force of old, but he stuck on well in game fashion at Goodwood last time out. He also has the benefit of one of the best jockeys in the business and Mick Kinane can only ever be looked upon as an asset.

Jeremy Noseda lines up the potentially dangerous Schevchenko. Unlike his grossly over-priced namesake, the three-year-old son of street-fighter Rock of Gibraltar, has won his last three races and looks value. Those races were small field contests though, and the second favourite at 9/1 might struggle in such a hurly-burly handicap.

The lightly-raced Utmost Respect deserves what his name implies. The 5/1 market leader has just five races to his name, three of which are victories. He landed a massive gamble in the Ayr Silver Cup last week beating 25 rivals in the process. He is one who will appreciate the rough-and-tumble and could be worth a saver at the prices.

Verdict: 1pt E/W Giganticus @ 16/1 (VCBet, Betfred); 1pt win Utmost Respect @ 5/1 (Paddy Power)