Category: Ascot (Page 1 of 2)

Well I think that I need to take stock after last weekend’s events. My little home office has been improved immensely by a push and spin ashtray (reminiscent of my grandfather) while I’m pottering around the racing news! Family will no doubt remember the floor based spin ashtray in the lounge in Belgrave Street! Les introduced me to racing.

Some of my Cheltenham picks have definitively reinforced their claims and others have bombed out. Might Bite and Politilogue did what was was expected of them and Cue Card has been scratched from the Ryanair (bad move). Bristol De Mai ran a race that was too bad to be true and I’ve not given up on him. Altior was spectacular but any value has gone. Jezki is now all the rage for the Stayers’ Hurdle and that makes complete sense.

Sunday at Leopardstown was even more interesting. Mega Fortune was very impressive and Bapaume and Meri Devie are not going to win at Cheltenham. Bacardys was a thrilling winner and the advised 33/1 is still an attractive 16/1 for the Supreme. Disko was very impressive the 2m 5f novices’ chase and Our Duke is one to note. Bellshill bombed out in the style of a horse that you cannot follow next time.

What to make of the Irish Gold Cup? It’s a Grade 1 but, let’s say it, it’s not really the Irish equivalent of the Cheltenham highlight. So, Sizing John beat Empire Of Dirt and Don Poli. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the race was that More Of That ran so well. I think that the winner has won his first race at the correct distance for him but I don’t think that this is relevant for the March highlight. The winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup was not in this race.

Foxrock won the Hunters’ Chase well but I agree with the word from the Walsh’s that the best target for him is Aintree. This was the best prep that On The Fringe has had for years and I’m very keen on him for Cheltenham. He’s obviously up to his best. Notable that the Racing Post summary reported a “hands and heels run-in, kept on well”.

So, on to today (or tomorrow if you’re very keen!). I’m being picky because, as I pointed out last weekend, most of the Cheltenham candidates have now had their outings.

Ascot

1.15 2m 3f Novices’ Hurdle Celebrated

I’ve already made clear my like for Topofthegame****, a huge horse and a confident choice at 3/1, notwithstanding an unbeaten opponent, De Dollar Man (8/1). We all know that this one is a chaser in the making but he should have the measure of these, including the Nicky Henderson favourite. Well there’s a big call to shape the day!

1.50 2m 7f Novices’ Chase

I’m a big fan of Arpege D’Alene*** and recent form makes the current 2/1 very attractive. Time for Paul Nicholls to emerge from his January slumber and start with his Saturday winners.

3.35 2m 5f Ascot Chase (Grade 1)

This is the right distance for Cue Card*****, who will win this with loads in hand at a current 1/2. Someone who tends to do a lot better than me thinks that Taquin du Seuil will do better at the shorter distance and I can’t disagree with that so the 13/2 looks good. As I pointed out above I’m unhappy that Cue Card has been been scratched from the Ryanair.

Gowran

Ballycasey*** should win the Red Mills Chase (Grade 2) and Jezki**** should win the (Grade 3) Red Mills Hurdle. Both make sense for multiples.

Haydock

Without trying to be too local, I’m always interested in Haydock jumps meetings, notwithstanding the destruction of the chase course, not least because runners in the decent races tend to do well. There’s a reason why Nicholls and Henderson run their horses there and I think it’s because it’s a level track similar to Newbury, but the downside is that Newbury and Haydock runners won’t translate to Cheltenham winners. However, they are often serious candidates for Aintree. So, on to Saturdays’ races.

1.30 Victor Ludorum 2m

The name suggests that this should be a proper test. The reality is that it isn’t. Most Celebrated is the favourite but this is one to avoid for me.

2.05 Rendlesham Hurdle 2m 6 1/2f  (Grade 2)

I think that Agrapart** (2/1 jf) should win this one. Aux Petit Soins is a good opponent but you have to make a choice!

After Call To Order qualifies for the Pertemps we can then move on to what is called and this time deserves to be the Grand National Trial:

3.15 Grand National Trial 3m 4f and a bit (Grade 3)

Called a trial, this is a £75,000 race worth winning win its own right.

Although a great race in its own right, I suspect that it will deliver the winner of the big race in the shape of Blaklion (9/2) or Vieux Lion Rouge (7/1). Neither needs to win tomorrow/today but if they run well they should be considered for the big one. I think that you can discount the Irish contingent.

As always, good luck!