Jason Weaver: Here’s 5 to keep the dream alive at Ascot and Redcar

Ascot 14:00 Dakota Gold @ 9/4

Michael Dods’ runner has been a remarkable improver in the latter part of this season and posted another decent effort last time, when a close-up second, in a 5f Group 3 at Newbury. Given some of his best victories have come under very soft conditions – the forecast looks tailor-made for him to get back into the winners enclosure,

This could be a nice little confidence booster for the Mabs Cross team ahead of his Longchamp engagement.

Ascot 14:35 Wells Farhh Go @ 5/1

Tim Easterby’s runner Is a bit of a tricky customer, but there is no getting away from the fact he is blessed with a lot of natural talent. This could be the time to catch him as the lack of pace in here, suggests he could have an easy time on the front end.

If he gets into any sort of rhythm, he could prove tough to catch up front.

Redcar 14:55 Glasvegas each-way @ 12/1

Had some very smart juvenile form at Royal Ascot earlier in the season but disappointed on his return at Doncaster after a long break. A nice, little, confidence-boosting win in a small field will tee him up perfectly for the big pot on offer at Redcar.

Summer Sands is going to be tough to beat, but the fav is backing up fairly quickly off a massive effort and the selection can hit the places at least against him

Ascot 15:10 Battered @ 20/1 

There seemed to be a golden highway up the standside rail at the last meeting at Newmarket, so I’m upgrading his performance there as he raced towards the centre on the slower part of he track. He was a little keen mid-race and did really well to plug on for fourth.

The former champion Silvestre De Sousa is back in the saddle and the long sprint distance of 7 furlongs looks absolutely ideal.

Ascot 15:40 Donjuan Triumphant @ 5/1

The ground on the straight track will be fairly cut up after a couple of days racing and in this later contest – you are going to need a real mud-lark on your side. Andrew Balding’s runner fits the bill perfectly as it can’t be soft enough for him!

Although he’s been a little disappointing recently, they’ve been trying to stretch him out in trip and now drops back to his favoured 6f trip. He will give likely market leaders Cape Byron and Tabdeed plenty to think about.

*Prices correct at time of publishing