Tonight’s bulletin covers Saturday and Sunday on what is a real packed programme this weekend.
The Ascot card kicks off with a trappy looking handicap hurdle at 1.10. French Saulaie represents our list to follow here and looks in with a shout. He was 2nd to the handicap snip Ashley Brook at Cheltenham last time and before that won in soft ground at Huntingdon. The main threat could well come from Nation State from Gary Moore’s yard. He was 4th behind his stable companion Verasi in the Lanzerote Hurdle at Kempton. Turtle Soup was 5th that day and is another for the short list. French Saulaie gets my selection though.
There are 3 runners from our list to follow in the 1.45. Gungadu has already won twice this season and is very well thought of by his trainer Paul Nicholls. He should go well. He concedes 6 lbs to Over the Creek who was looking a likely winner when falling on his chase debut at Towcester. He has plenty of ability but will need to jump better. According to John won his first two starts this season and was reportedly not right when 4th at Kempton last time. Tricky one this – Gungadu probably but his price is likely to be on the short side. Over the Creek could give him plenty to think about if putting in a clear round.
There are a couple of our list runners in the 2.20. Monet’s Garden presumably had something amiss when fading quickly last time in the King George. On his best form he would be hard to beat. Cerium goes well fresh and has had a nice break. A course and distance winner he is not out of things. I notice though that Ruby Walsh has chosen to ride the other Nicholls runner.
Bumper winner Sound Accord has changed stables since we last saw him. He is with David Arbuthnot now and makes his hurdles debut in the 2.55. He has place claims.
The Elite Racing Club enjoyed a rather lucky winner today as Dancing Bay was left clear by the fall of The Cool Guy. Inherent runs in the Elite colours in the 3.35. She won a bumper when trained by Clive Cox.
There are several Grand National hopefuls in the 2.00 at Haydock. Bewley’s Berry and Cloudy Lane are the runners from our list. Bewley’s Berry was 2nd in the Becher Chase on his last outing. He jumps and stays and I would expect a big run from him. The novice Cloudy Lane has a light weight and should stay this trip. This is a wide open race with both our runners holding each way chances.
We have a couple of list runners in the 3.10. Good citizen has fallen in both his last two races. He was a little unlucky when he fell at the final fence on his last outing and if he stands up this time he should go close as he revels in testing conditions. Bougoure put in a promising effort when 3rd to the useful Faasel at Catterick and looks to have each way claims at odds of around 10/1.
Scarvagh Diamond won a mare’s only event at Haydock last month and returns to Haydock for the 3.45. She will go on the ground but needs to improve in order to take a hand in the finish.
Madison Du Berlais has won twice fro us this season. He was 5th behind Dempsey on his last run but didn’t have ground conditions in his favour. Back on soft ground he may be able to pick up the winning thread once more in the 4.55.
The 1.20 at Wincanton has a field of only 5 but they all have a chance. The soft ground will suit Opera Mundi. He jumps well and gets a tentative selection.
Molostiep makes his handicap debut in the 2.30. He looks on a reasonable mark and should come on for his last run 3 weeks ago.
Beau Michel has gone off the boil in his last couple of runs. I haven’t given up on his though and I fancy that the step up in trip in the 3.00 will suit him.
The 3.30 looks a match between Afsoun and Straw Bear. You can probably toss a coin for this one but not wanting to sit on the fence will go for Afsoun.
Bold Bishop represents the list to follow in the 4.00. There are stamina doubts over this trip in testing ground which is probably why none of the tipsters go for him. Not on a bad mark if he gets the trip.
List runners enters at Uttoxeter.
2.45 Yes Sir and Good Citizen
Gowran Park
2.15 Ballytrim
3.15 Conna Castle & New Mill
My best bet on Sunday is promising chaser Glasker Mill in the 2.30 at Fontwell.
See you on Sunday evening for a look back at what looks a very interesting weekend’s racing.
ahorse 