His form this year makes for tough reading, but Alternative Fact has his first run for Alan King today and is too well-handicapped to ignore in the 1m2f handicap at Newbury (4.35pm).
A winner off a mark of 91 last July, having previously finished third in the Silver Royal Hunt Cup, he went on to finish runner-up on two occasions in the second half of last season off a mark of 95, 10lbs higher than today’s. His second to subsequent big improver Danyah looks a very smart piece of form in the context of this race.
He has failed to beat a rival on his last two starts, but did travel well to a point at Ripon on his penultimate outing and there was no disgrace in his midfield finish over a mile here in May in what was a significantly more competitive race, and off a 10lbs higher mark.
Though he is at his very best on soft ground, the good to soft, good in places is fine and with the exception of the favourite, this really doesn’t look the strongest of handicaps. He has has seven weeks since his last run, so he arrives here a fresh horse taking on class 4 handicap opposition for the first time. Clearly, he needs to rediscover his form, but at the prices it is well worth taking the chance.
4.35pm Newbury – 1pt win, 0.5pt place Alternative Fact @ 16-1 (Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfait, Boylesports, 888Sport)
