Stat Selector: Saturday 6 August

Arecibo - 14:10 Ascot

Smart Stat: 2 - Robert Cowell's number of winners in past 10 runnings

Robert Cowell has done well in this race over the years and of his three runners this time round it is Arecibo who makes the most appeal. He showed improved form upon joining this yard last year, winning a couple of handicaps at Newmarket and also finishing runner-up in the King's Stand Stakes over course and distance. Arecibo hasn't quite reached that level of form so far this season, but his placed effort in the Temple Stakes and close finish in the Coral Charge last time bode well, and he looks interesting back in a handicap in a race which should be run to suit. 

Pride of Priory - 15:20 Ascot

Smart Stat: 26% - William Haggas's strike rate with horses running over 10f+ 

Pride of Priory was out of sorts for one reason or another on his first two starts this season, but he has since resumed his progression back on the all-weather of late, winning his last two starts at Kempton and Newcastle. The form of his latest success where he overcame the run of the race and trouble in-running to beat a progressive three-year-old looks strong and a subsequent 5 lb rise may well underestimate him. Pride of Priory comes up against some other in-form sorts now, but he is a horse to remain positive about and is fancied to complete a hat-trick. 

Open Champion - 19:35 Lingfield

Smart Stat: 25% - Roger Varian's strike rate at LINGFIELD PARK since the start of the 2018 season

Open Champion is bred to be useful but his paddock demeanour suggested he was in need of the experience and that transpired into the race itself. He was gelded and given plenty of time after that run and showed much improved form over this longer trip at Newmarket two weeks ago, travelling with more purpose and staying on well to be beaten only by a more progressive type who has run well since. This looks a weaker race and Open Champion is entitled to take another step forward now.