'The rain is coming for him and he's in good form' - could this be the day Awaal gets back to winning ways?

Could Friday be the day for Awaal? It looks as though his supporters should at least get a run for their money, if the forecast is correct.

Rain is expected at Ascot, more than likely enough to turn the ground soft enough for him to race for just the second time this season.

At Ascot last year he was third in the Royal Hunt Cup when rated 105 last June then was drawn on the wrong side when beaten favourite for the Balmoral Handicap off 104 on Champions Day return. He is back to a mark of 100 today. 

The 2022 Hunt Cup third is also back to try again and Tempus has plenty more course form to his name, having won twice and been a creditable fourth here on his last two appearances.

Hafeet Alain is another whose trainer has been waiting for the ground to ease and his first-time-out win at Newmarket in April showed how well he runs fresh.

But the one who really takes the eye is Bennetot, a typical David O'Meara slow-burning ex-French import who has found his form now and won with something to spare on the Racing League card at Windsor last month.

He impressed with the strong finish he produced to get out of a tight spot and win cosily there and is worth another chance after being unable to challenge in a £150,000 York contest dominated by prominent racers last time.

Ground and weather

The official going at Ascot was changed from good to soft on Thursday. More rain is forecast for Friday.

What they say

Mike Prince, racing manager of Middleham Park Racing, owners of Dear My Friend
We want to get him running competitively again. He's back in calmer waters and his turf mark is down to 104 now [from a high of 113], which should help. He was stuck out wide at York last time and this smaller field should help him.

Simon Crisford, joint-trainer of Awaal
The rain is coming for him and he's in good form. He's been very lightly raced this season because we've been waiting for the right conditions, but he ran very well in the Royal Hunt Cup over this course and distance last year.

Ed Walker, trainer of Hafeet Alain
I'm looking forward to giving him his first run since May. We've been waiting for a bit of cut in the ground and hope this is the right race for him.

Simon Turner, racing manager of Hambleton Racing, owners of Tempus
He's in good form, he loves it at Ascot, and should give another good account of himself there. He's been knocking on the door recently and this looks a race he could be competitive in again.  

James Horton, trainer of Navagio
He's had a nice break and if they have plenty of rain he could run well. He's had a few disappointing efforts since his good run in the Lincoln and needs to get back on track.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Classic
He's threatened to win a few races this season and he's very capable on his day.

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