Sirop Looks Overpriced At Ascot

The money has come for today's selection Tatawu but that means nothing unless he goes out and justifies the support. Fingers crossed he can hit the frame. The old saying goes that the early bird gets the worm, a sentiment that especially applies in horseracing, and tomorrow at Ascot there is a horse in the hot handicap at 3.00 that I believe should be half the price he currently is.

Sirop De Menthe is a 6yo gelding that has come on in leaps and bounds under the care of Sue Gardner. She spotted promise in him that not many others saw, and he was picked up at the sales for just 6k. That already looks like an absolute bargain after he has hit the frame in 8 of his 10 starts for his new trainer, including 3 wins at Plumpton, Lingfield and Huntingdon.

His last win at Lingfield three starts back was over 19.5f on heavy and he did it ever so easily.He stepped up on that form last time out at Sandown with a superb effort in a red hot class 2 handicap behind the classy Rayvin Black. He had Melodic Rendezvous and subsequent winner Minstrel's Gallery over 12L behind in 3rd and 4th, and it was a gallant effort from horse and jockey.

That superb run came off a mark of 128, and he has been raised just 4lb to 132. Rain is forecast which will suit this fella well as he absolutely loves the muck. His small yard is in super form and they had a nice winner during the week in Bredon Hill Lad. The step back up in trip is also in his favour and he has been freshened up since his last run, presumably with this race in mind. He looks well overpriced at 14/1 on the strength of that run at Sandown, and once the rain arrives he should be there or thereabouts in a wide open race.

STEVOS' SELECTION: 3.00 ASCOT-SIROP DE MENTHE 14/1 E/W