Get It Right With Sybarite

The dictionary defines a sybarite as "one devoted to pleasure or luxury" after the hedonistic tendencies of the inhabitants of the wealthy city of that name in Magna Graecia. Given the proclivities of those involved in ownership, it's no surprise that the name has been used mischievously over the years by those looking for suitable racehorse names. It's debatable whether the ultra-respectable Raymond Mould would fit into that category, but it's in his famous green-and-white silks that this Sybarite runs, and he can kick off a second spell with Nigel Twiston-Davies by winning the opening maiden hurdle at Ascot.

Sybarite has the looks to go with his name, tall, almost black, and a most fluid mover, and it's no great surprise to be reminded that he was bought by renowned bloodstock agent David Minton as a part of a "job lot" with Sprinter Sacre. At a recent media event organised by Cheltenham racecourse, more eyes swivelled his way than were trained on nascent superstar The New One, or former Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander. He made a bright start for the yard in bumpers, winning at Uttoxeter and splitting Dark Lover and Teaforthree at Cheltenham, but he clearly lacked the strength to fulfil his potential at that stage, and very much had the look of a gawky schoolboy. In truth, his ambitious connections overfaced him early in his career when he wasn't mentally or physically ready, and he appeared on a collision course with a double squiggle when last sighted under Rules. Faced with the option of getting rid or mending, Mould made the eminently sensible decision to send him to the yard of Phil Rowley to try his hand at pointing.

The transformation was almost immediate, and Sybarite completed an unbeaten run by winning the prestigious Lady Dudley Cup at Chaddesley Corbett in April. His record between the flags proves most of all that his appetite for racing has been restored, and it doesn't pay to dwell on how that form would translate back to hurdles. It would be a surprise if he isn't as good as ever given how he appears to have thrived physically, and the level of form he showed as a novice over hurdles in 2010/11 would make him hard to beat.

In the handicap chase at 14:40, Greywell Boy can get back to winning ways now campaigned at what looks his ideal trip. The Fair Mix gelding has gained two wins and a pair of placings from just four starts in handicap chases, all around the minimum trip when ridden by today's pilot, David Bass. On each occasion he's been tapped for toe before staying on strongly, and has long appealed as the sort to improve significantly when stepping up in trip. He gets that opportunity today, and can improve past a field of exposed rivals. Niceonefrankie looks the one for forecast punters, but he's too consistent for his own good, and probably needs to drop a couple of pounds if he's to get his head in front again, admitting that conditions are very much in his favour today.

Recommendations:

Both at Ascot

Back Sybarite @ [4.2] in the 13.00 (NAP)

Back Greywell Boy @ [4.2] (NB)