The Henderson and Nicholls teams go head to head in a number of races tomorrow. In the Ascot 1.50 they are represented by Master of the Hall and The Minack respectively. On form there is nothing to choose between these two exciting prospects. At the odds I marginally prefer Master of the Hall with Barry Geraghty in the saddle.
The 3.00 could turn into another Henderson v Nicholls match with the protagonists this time Riverside Theatre and Pride of Dulcote. If Riverside Theatre can reproduce the form of his second to Long Run in the King George he should have the edge.
My two against the field in the 3.35 are Like Minded and Frascati Park. The highly rated Sprinter Sacre will be hard to beat in the 4.05 but he will start at very cramped odds and it might just be worth taking him on with the well bred and unexposed Polisky.
Alan King’s West End Rocker is on a hat trick and sets the standard in the 3.20 at Haydock where a small each way saver on Le Beau Bai could pay dividends. He is well handicapped on his best form.
I expect Court in Motion (2.10) and Bensalem (2.45) to go well while at bigger odds Merrydown is one I like in the 3.55.
It is always worth noting the rides that AP McCoy has for Paul Nicholls and the unexposed Carlicue is of interest in the Wincanton 2.35. There are only 5 runners in the 3.45 but it is a fascinating contest nonetheless. Overturn was an excellent second to Binocular in the Christmas Hurdle and Wincanton should suit his style of running. He would not want too much rain though. Ronaldo Des Mottes was runner up in the Totesport Trophy last season and returns here after a 302 day absence. I wouldn’t rule this one out but I think Mille Chief, so impressive when winning at Sandown last time is the one to be on.
Picture courtesy of Sarah Clegg
ahorse 