Ascot Chase Day Tips
One of Ascot’s best cards of the year takes place on Saturday as the Grade 1 Ascot Chase highlights a strong day at the Berkshire track.
Saturday’s meeting begins at 1.15 and ends at 4.45, providing plenty of fine betting opportunities for punters across the seven races.
We’ve analysed the card at Ascot on Saturday and identified our best bets for a cracking afternoon of racing.
1.15 - Ascot Shop Novices’ Hurdle (2m3f)
There is little doubt that INTHEWATERSIDE has been slightly disappointing this term, but in reality he is two from three over hurdles and might just be a slow burner who thrives with his racing. An impressive bumper winner last term, Inthewaterside is rated 128 and will be hard to beat back in this company after landing a good handicap in impressive fashion last time. Heading the dangers are Idy Wood, who was third in the Grade 2 Sharp Novices’ Hurdle three starts back and Bucksy Des Epeires, who is better off with Inthewaterside for their recent meeting at Lingfield.
Selection: Inthewaterside
1.50 - Sodexo Live! Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (Grade 2, 3m)
There can be little doubt about the strength of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Impressive winner Il Est Francais produced a stunning performance on the clock and two of the pulled-up horses have won handicaps off marks of 146 and 141 since. KILBEG KING finished third there and looks a good bet to go two better in a weaker Reynoldstown. He looks a promising stayer. Feared most is Apple Away, who has twice bumped into a top-notcher in Grey Dawning this term and will find this easier.
Selection: Kilbeg King
2.25 - Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Handicap Hurdle (2m3f)
Monviel disappointed here last time, but had previously produced an excellent staying-on second to subsequent Grade 2 winner JPR One in a novice handicap chase. He switches back to hurdles after a break on a favourable mark, although might struggle to live with BAD for Ben Pauling. Bad is well regarded and is unexposed over this distance, while first-time cheekpieces and wind surgery are reasons to anticipate an improved showing from this youngster.
Selection: Bad
3.00 - Injured Jockeys Fund Ambassadors Programme Swinley Handicap Chase (3m)
SHAN BLUE had looked gone at the game until pitching up in a 2m3f handicap chase here in December, but finished out his race strongly and that should have put him spot on for the Swinley. He is well treated off a mark of 143 and has another big pot in him. It is easy to imagine Victtorino bouncing back after he struggled over shorter at Cheltenham last time. He is twice a winner over this course and distance and is still progressive enough to fight out the finish back at his happiest hunting ground.
Selection: Shan Blue
3.36 - Ascot Chase (Grade 1, 2m5f)
This is an unusual Gold Cup prep race for L’HOMME PRESSE, but he doesn’t lack for speed and proved he retains plenty of ability when accounting for the in-form Protektorat on his return from 13 months off in the Fleur De Lys last month. The selection doesn’t lack for speed and can get the job done at the expense of Ahoy Senor, who is interesting dropping in trip after he shaped better than the result in the Cotswold Chase last time. This could open up further doors for him.
Selection: L’homme Presse
4.10 - Ascot Racecourse Supports Box4Kids Handicap Hurdle (2m7f)
The best-handicapped horse in this contest could be the Dan Skelton-trained COCO MADEMOISELLE. This mare was turned over at odds-on last time in a novice hurdle, but the mare who beat her, Springtime Promise, was getting 7lb that day and managed to follow up in the Grade 2 Jane Seymour at Sandown. That is good form and the two who appeared the biggest threats to Coco Mademoiselle on paper, Mt Fuji Park and Don’t Rightly Know, have their first preference on Saturday at Haydock.
Selection: Coco Mademoiselle
4.45 - British EBF Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race (1m7f)
As with most bumpers there is limited form to go off. Given the strong record of Roaring Lion progeny at this track, perhaps NALA THE LIONESS is worth chancing. She is a rare runner in the National Hunt game for top Flat trainer Karl Burke and the booking of Harry Cobden looks a statement of intent, while she receives ample weight from the older mares. Jack Hobbs filly Roaring Home arguably sets the standard and is a respected opponent.
Selection: Nala The Lioness