In the Canaccord Genuity Gordon Carter Handicap (4.10) on Friday, What A Welcome has officially improved by 32lb since breaking his duck at Lingfield last November and has won seven of his last eight starts in doing so. The son of Nathaniel has his stamina to prove, having yet to win beyond 1 mile 5½ furlongs, but his latest effort, over 1 mile 4 furlongs on this course four weeks ago, was his best yet and he warrants maximum respect off a handicap mark just 4lb higher here. On the downside, the second, fourth and fifth on that occasion have all been soundly beaten since and the form of Patrick Chamings’ yard is a slight worry.
Nevertheless, What A Welcome has done very little wrong in his short, but prolific, career and, having won four times on the prevailing good going, should have underfoot conditions in his favour once again. Of course, an extra 2½ furlongs on a course on which races are against the collar for the last half mile or so will expose any stamina limitations but, in the absence of any conclusive evidence one way or the other, he remains a progressive, young horse whose best days are almost certainly ahead of him. It looks like a good opportunity to us and may well be worth a bet at www.novibet.co.uk . At 5/1 it represents good price to chance and where that factor is present, it’s important not to end up regretting betting opportunities slipping through your fingers!
Selection: Ascot 4.10 What A Welcome to win 5/1