Nap of the Day: In-form Varian set for more success

It wasn't to be for Friday's fancy, who failed to reward significant support, but I'm keeping the faith in connections, who are in great nick at the moment.

We go to Ascot for the Nap of the Day on Saturday.

Roger Varian is in fine form at the moment, operating at a 26% strike rate courtesy of eight winners from 31 runners in the past fortnight, which bodes well for ANASHHAD in Ascot's opener on Saturday.

As far as I'm concerned, the two-year-old son of Mohaather sets the standard in this novice event over seven furlongs.

His third on debut at York back in May was a highly-encouraging start to his career, and that form has been well-advertised in the meantime.

The winner, Tadej for Archie Watson, has earned a rating of 100 after finishing sixth in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot on his subsequent start.

Do Or Do Not, runner-up on the Knavesmire, was four places ahead in second in the Coventry and then occupied that same spot in the July Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday. The handicapper has him at 105.

Champion Island, who was fourth at York, has also franked the form, bolting up in a three-runner race at Chelmsford last month.

It's likely that Anashhad ran to a mark in the 80s at least on his debut, and he's open to any amount of improvement. This'll be just his second start and first over the trip, which should suit as he's by a top miler and there's plenty of stamina on the dam's side.

I will be disappointed if he's not able to beat the five rivals with form in the book - including Crest Of Fire and Ohara. The latter is particularly dangerous in receipt of six pounds, but he'll need to improve quite significantly to put it up to the selection.

The main danger comes from the host of newcomers, many of whom are well-bred and well-connected in equal measure.

Mogbhbel, who represents one of my favourite trainers around in Owen Burrows, is by Camelot and needs a market check - as does Battle Apple, Al Shabab Spirit and Laureate Crown.

That being said, if Anashhad runs to the sort of level I'm anticipating, a debutant will need to be a fair bit above average to beat him under these circumstances. I just can't see that happening.

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