Wokingham Handicap Betting Preview - June 24th

The Royal Ascot cavalry charge that is the Wokingham Handicap has, without wishing to tempt fate, been a decidedly lucky race for yours truly in recent years, and I am hoping that Lady Luck will stay on side for this year's renewal on June 24. The one that makes most appeal is Intrepid Jack, a 16/1 chance with VC Bet, whose chance is much better than those odds reflect, especially as he is nigh-on certain to get the fast ground that he relishes at the Royal Meeting. Ante-post favourite Tax Free beat the selection by half-a-length in the valuable William Hill Trophy at York. However, Dandy Nicholls' charge was the better drawn there, and was better suited by the juice in the ground on the Knavesmire that day. Furthermore, he will be meeting Intrepid Jack on 6lb worse terms when they lock horns again in the Wokingham. So there are a number of factors which tilt the balance towards Hughie Morrison's charge, despite the fact that Tax Free is probably still improving, and has fared well in Group races subsequently. Following that solid effort at York last August, Intrepid Jack disappointed next time out. But, back at the York for his seasonal reappearance, the Compton Place colt ran a cracking race on unsuitably soft ground ina red-hot seventeen runner handicap, coming home under two lengths sixth to Borderlescott. Intrepid Jack held every chance below the distance that day, but testing underfoot conditions and his lack of a recent run took their toll in the closing stages. However, that was a highly promising effort, and one which suggested that he has plenty to offer this season. Indeed, the four-year-old has only had four career starts, therefore has plenty of scope for further progression. Borderlescott, also a top-priced 16/1 for this prestigious handicap, is as tough and genuine as they come. He acts on any ground and his willing attitude - natural speed notwithstanding - makes him a tough nut to crack. On the down side, however, he will need to pull out more to beat Intrepid Jack again, given that he'll be facing that rival on his preferred going and on 5lb worse terms. Michael Jarvis took this race last year with Iffraaj and has a strong contender, albeit not as classy a horse, in the shape of the progressive Borehan. The three-year-old completed a hat-trick when outpointing his rivals in a valuable six-furlong dash at Newmarket last month on soft going, although he is just as effective on a faster surface. The Agnes World colt has to be feared as their is nothing to suggest that his improvement has ceased just yet, but the fact that he's been hammered with a 9lb rise for winning that race on the Rowley Mile by little over a length, against rivals nothing like the quality of those he will face in this event, suggests to me that he's worth opposing. Mutamared had a poor draw at Epsom on Derby Day when soundly held behind stablemate Desert Lord. But he got worked up on the way to post there and is well worth another chance, while Ice Planet is a sprint handicapper on the ascendency and is very much one to consider.Verdict: 1pt e/w Intrepid Jack @ 16/1 (VC Bet)