Hope for American change of luck One of the unluckiest horses in training has another shot at redemption in Saturday's totepool Challenge Cup at Ascot. It is incredible the Mike Murphy-trained American Hope, formerly successful on the polytrack at Dundalk for Willie Browne, has not yet registered a victory in Britain, being narrowly beaten by the likes of Ertijaal and Bow Creek in the series of valuable heats at Lingfield during the winter. Moved to the grass, the colt won on his side in the Britannia at Royal Ascot but was only sixth overall, got collared by Mange All in the final two strides back at the Berkshire track a month later and then had a poor passage through in a handicap at Goodwood. "We're happy with him. He had no race at all at Goodwood from that draw (12)," said Murphy. "He loves Ascot. He just got beat there last time and we go there hopeful of a big run. "He ran well in the Britannia there at the Royal meeting and was just touched off by Mange All in another race over a mile. The drop back to seven won't inconvenience him. He likes a strong pace and there should be plenty of pace on." Redvers, twice a course winner and touched off on other occasions, returns to his own favourite course. "He was just a bit slowly away in the Silver Cup at Ayr. He just missed the break and was always playing catch-up. He'll be back to seven at Ascot, on a track he loves," said trainer Ed Vaughan. Peter Makin is monitoring the weather for the reliable Morache Music, and said: "There could be a bit of rain forecast at the end of the week and that would be rather important. I don't want the ground firm for him. I think he gets the seven and he likes a big field like this. It would suit him down to the ground."
