‘He’s brilliant in big-field handicaps at Ascot’ – Templegate’s 16-1 ante-post tip

WELCOME to this weekly column by TEMPLEGATE (Steve Mullen) where he pinpoints horses to follow from the past week or two and takes a first look at big races to come. Let’s give the bookies a right good kicking! Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton could have an Ascot winner on her hands at appealing odds Credit: PA:Press Association GREAT ACCLAIM – 16-1International Handicap – Ascot, Saturday THE draw has become too important in races up the straight track at Ascot but it’s still worth having a look at the International Stakes on Saturday. A big field is likely to hurtle home over seven furlongs and GREAT ACCLAIM (2.55) looks a fair each-way price at 16-1 in a few places. Eve Johnson Houghton’s five-year-old has been second and third in big-field handicaps over course and distance this season. He will always need a bit of luck in races like this because he’s not a front-runner but he finishes strongly. Ignore his Bunbury Cup effort last time as Newmarket doesn’t suit anything like Ascot does. He relishes fast ground and a 2lb rise in the weights from his excellent effort at the Royal meeting keeps him right in the hunt. TAKAAFUL (Newbury, Friday) Most read in Horse Racing THIS was a really nice start by George Boughey’s youngster who didn’t have a clue what she was doing for much of this race. She pulled Jack Callan’s arms out for much of it and hung left in the closing stages, so she did well to finish fourth. She will hopefully know the game a lot more next time. SOLDIER’S TREE (Newbury, Saturday) JAMES Owen’s flyer could be interesting in the Stewards’ Cup after finding the early pace too slow in this Group 3. He pulled hard for Sean Levey before keeping on in the closing stages. He went close in the Wokingham when settling better and 12-1 for the Goodwood sprint looks fair. I’m still not giving up on Binhareer and he’s another who would be happier back in a handicap or on slightly easier ground. BINT ARCHANGE (Newbury, Saturday) DON’T write her off after this modest run in the Super Sprint. Once William Buick realised he wasn’t winning he let her come home in her own time and she was still second in her group. She is capable of scoring again soon. Etienne is the obvious best horse in the race and he is going places. AURA CHAMPAGNE (Newbury, Saturday) RICHARD Hannon’s filly didn’t stay 1m2f against some useful rivals and this was a promising effort in third. A drop in trip and a handicap mark will see her winning races this season. FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now