BAK TO FRONT! Value Scope.

Byline: CHRIS FORWOOD

WE will have to pray that there will not be a non-runner in today's Coral Ascot Hurdle as with exactly eight runners and a short-priced favourite in the shape Zaynar means we can go on the hunt for some value.

True, this race is a good one for backers of the jolly with six of the last ten going in and the Triumph Hurdle winner certainly has the form in the book. However, in the past ten years four of his age group have gone to post and all they can show for their efforts is one place effort.

As you would expect with a classy contest such as this the majority of winners were at least placed on their last outing.The age group with the best record are the six-year-olds with three wins from a dozen runners. That said, don't forget the veterans - there have only been seven nine and 10-year-olds contest this in the last decade but three of them have won.

Karabak and former Champion Hurdler Katchit represent the six-yearolds but not being placed last time rules out the latter.

So have 4pt win KARABAK at 100-30 with VC Bet.

The older generation have LOUGH DERG running for them. This is his fourth go at trying to win this and is often ignored in the betting only to run a blinder.

The generally offered 16-1 looks too good to miss -have 2pt each-way on David Pipe's hope.

BETS KARABAK (4pts win 100-30 with VC Bet) LOUGH DERG (2pt ew 16-1 generally)

CAPTION(S):

FANCIED Karabak is selected