Wylie has fine prospect for Ascot

Prospect Wells could bid to make the most of what connections hope will prove a lenient handicap mark in The Ladbroke at Ascot on Saturday.

The six-year-old has always had a high level of ability but has taken a while to bounce back from a gelding operation that almost claimed his life when trained by Howard Johnson.

Since joining Paul Nicholls, he has won twice and finished second at Cheltenham once and owner Graham Wylie is hoping he can continue his good run of form.

He heads the market for the big Ascot handicap at a general 6-1.

“I believe the plan is for him to run in The Ladbroke, although he also has the option of running in the novice hurdle on the Friday (Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle),” said Wylie.

“Paul is going to enter him in both races and see how they are shaping up, but I think at the moment we’re leaning towards the handicap.

“The thinking is he’ll get into the race on a nice weight and he might never be on such a good weight ever again, so we might try and make the most of it.

“He has done very well since joining Paul, so credit to him, but also credit to Howard Johnson who did very well to save his life.”