Top class racing abounds tomorrow with the best of the action coming from Ascot.
The first race at Ascot is the Reynoldstown Novices Chase which has attracted a quality field and looks difficult to solve. If we concentrate on the trends no horse older than 7 has won the race in the last 10 years and this approach would knock out 3 of the 7 runners. Charlie Mann’s Air Force One is on a 3 timer after wins and is likely to start favourite. He looks the one to beat with possibly Alberta’s Run giving him most to do if his jumping stands up.
There are 3 runners from our list to follow in the 1.50. Nakai found Harris Bay too strong for him at Wincanton last time out but has shaped as a promising type in his races this season. He should again run well. Khasab is an improving sort. He took a heavy fall when looking the likely winner at Chepstow before making amends at Leicester last time out. If he handles the ground, his best runs have come with some cut, then he would be my each way selection. Bedlam Boy recorded a career best when finishing 3rd to Tidal Bay at Aintree last April. He looks a chaser in the making and will probably need further than this in time. Khasab is also entered in the 2.40 at Wincanton.
It would be a major surprise if Kauto Star was beaten in the 2.25, even though this trip may be short of ideal at this stage of his career. You would think they would be fighting for the minor honours with the grey Monet’s Garden and Racing Demon likely to figure in the first 3.
The 3.35 is an above average mare’s contest. Helen’s Vision absolutely bolted up at Newbury in November but has failed to build on that in 2 subsequent runs. If allowed a soft lead here though she could take some pegging back. Whiteoak is another interesting runner. She got to within a short head of Tazbar in a Grade 2 at Doncaster and her trainer is in excellent form at present.
In the bumper at 4.45 Uffa Fox should appreciate the ground and has an each way chance.
Haydock gets underway at 12.35 with a novice hurdle. Serabad is certainly the form pick having twice chased home the useful Franchoek. If those exertions have not taken their toll I would expect a big run from him in this.
The 1.05 looks to be between Chief Dan George, Wichita Lineman and Special Envoy. Special Envoy has had little luck this season and deserves to land a big prize. Wichita Lineman looks the most likely winner but at 7/4 I don’t think I would be playing.
Tazbar and Marleybow represent our list to follow in the 1.35. Tazbar has done little wrong this season and has to be the selection.
In the 2.10 Nicky Richards runs both Gunner Jack and Great Approach. Gunner Jack looks well treated off a mark of 122. He is a lightly raced sort that is certainly bred to stay. Great Approach is another with scope for improvement and he should handle the ground. He gets in here off a light weight and could run well at a price.
Bewley’s Berry continues his Grand National preparations in the 2.45. He has plenty of weight though and in recent years only Shotgun Willy has shouldered this sort of a burden to victory in the race. He jumps and stays though and should be on the premises. Blue Splash is a horse I have always liked and he ran a fair race last time out at Warwick. He just may need a bit of relief from the handicapper before he gets his head in front again. At around 10/1 I would be inclined to go each way with the consistent proven stayer Philson Run.
Two of the less successful members of our list to follow contest the 3.25, Mister Potter and The Real Deal. Mister Potter is dropped down in trip and I am not really convinced that that is going to be his optimum trip. He certainly looks the part and ran with a bit of encouragement last time out. He has also shown a liking for Haydock in the past. The Real Deal has looked a bit of a disaster over fences to be honest so it is interesting that connections are persevering. In his favour he is coming down the weights although his jumping will have to improve if he is to take a hand in this.
Down at Uttoxeter the 2.20 looks quite a competitive handicap hurdle. Trompette has come down a few pounds since her last run and has an each way chance.
In the Uttoxeter 4.25 Top Cloud should be all the better for the additional quarter mile after finishing 3rd at Newcastle. He would be my each way fancy here but sadly there are only 7 runners.
The 3.40 at Wincanton should be between Katchit and Blythe Knight. Katchit has an admirable attitude and is a very fluent hurdler but Blythe Knight has plenty of class and if at his best is just preferred at the current odds.
I will be updating the site tomorrow evening.
ahorse 