Best From The West - December 15

The Simon Miller trained Valour Road is airborne this preparation and should prove very hard to beat in the sixth event at Ascot on Saturday.

Game in defeat in two runs to begin this campaign, Valour Road proceeded to take a good step forward, when finishing a close fifth in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes [1200m] last start.

One of the better long range moves we've seen in some time (50-1 > 10-1), Valour Road held his own against some of our more seasoned sprinters and now appears set to peak stepping up to 1400m.

While disappointing in the Sires' as a 2YO (4th, 2.2L), he is giving every indication that he is looking for this trip and has drawn to find the front with Lane booked.

The Simon Miller stable is in great form this season striking at 24% from his last 50 runners.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Valour Road sits clear on his last start performance and only looks to have to repeat to be winning.

Do respect the Adam Durrant trained Arcadia Prince, however confident Valour Road has more in the locker.

Little separates the two in the current market, however we have Valour Road marked clear favourite - Get on!

The Team Williams trained Forceful has displayed plenty of ability in his seven starts to this point and remains a big watch fresh in the final event.

Unbeaten in three starts last time in, Forceful continued to impress and has notably trialled very well in the lead up.

The wide draw is a concern on Saturday as he is likely to get a long way back, however there looks to be decent enough pressure to bring him into it.

He is unbeaten in both attempts at Ascot and with the Wizard aboard, he should prove very hard to hold out late.

Best From The West

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 6 #9 Valour Road @ $2.25

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 9 #5 Forceful @ $4.60