The rapid improver chasing a seven-timer at Ascot - and who 'will be competitive wherever he goes'

Connections of Double Powerful have been riding the crest of a wave in recent months and they hope the journey does not end on Friday when the serial winner bids to complete a seven-timer.

Trained by Neil Mulholland, the five-year-old brought up the six-timer with success at Cheltenham last month as he continued a winning sequence that started at Fakenham in March.

Having been rated 76 for the first of six consecutive victories, Double Powerful is now rated 121 and will go in search of a seventh victory for owners Equi ex Incertis Partners in the 2m5½f handicap hurdle at Ascot (12.45).

"He's been very mentally and physically backwards, probably more mentally, but he's doing everything you'd hope a horse would do by progressing and he's going the right way. He's exactly what an owner would really want.

"I'm very happy with him and he's doing well. I wanted to try to freshen him up a little bit, but because he's so well I had to keep giving him a few pieces of work."

Neil Mulholland (left) with Double Powerful and jockey Dylan Johnston after winning at CheltenhamCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Double Powerful justified 3-1 favouritism during his half-a-length victory over Young Lucy at Prestbury Park and Mulholland was full of praise off the back of that performance.

"It was special," he said. "He won at Fontwell before that, so everyone was expecting him to win. Thankfully he did everything he was supposed to do, he ran a great race and he put his head down while battling up the hill. He had all the quality we were looking for."

Mulholland is under no illusions as to how difficult it will be for Double Powerful to notch up another winner, especially with the likes of Persian Time, Irish Hill and Champagne Twist entered, but he believes his representative has a big chance.

He added: "He's done well and although it'll be a competitive race on Friday, wherever he goes he will be competitive. There's probably no hiding place, but Dylan [Johnston, jockey] knows him very well – he's won on him before – and he seems in good form."

Read these next:

Find out who remains in contention for Ascot's Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle on Saturday 

An absorbing week of action builds to another Christmas cracker in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot 

Stayers' Hurdle dark horse The Wallpark could run in Long Walk at Ascot on first start since JP McManus purchase 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.