Hi all,
We’re kicking off the first of two days of racing at Ascot, featuring a seven-race card packed with handicaps. However, the total of fifty-four declared runners across the seven races seems a bit thin, considering the decent prize money up for grabs at the Berkshire track.
Inside Friday’s preview, I delve into the highlights of the Ascot card.
Ascot
12:50 – The Carpenter and Monviel are competing for favouritism. The former is making his debut over fences after a perfect 3-3 record over hurdles. He’s got the size to make a chaser and could make a winning start to his chase career. On the other hand, Monviel, a previous winner in a handicap hurdle on this very day last year for his former yard, shaped with promise on his chase debut for Harry Derham, finishing a close 2nd at Newton Abbot (2 ½ f) last month. The extended distance of 2m 3f should work in his favour, and considering his potential over larger obstacles, he should win races. The trainer boasts a solid 6-19 (32%) record in the past 14 days.
2:00 – Venetia Williams’ trained Fire Dancer is currently leading the way in the early bird betting. The 7-year-old secured victory on his chase debut at Ludlow in January but faced setbacks on two subsequent starts. Despite these challenges, considering the yard’s impressive form with its handicap chasers, Fire Dancer demands respect. Your Darling, the winner of last year’s race from a 5lb lower mark, is making a return from a 112-day layoff. However, he demonstrated his ability to perform well after an even longer break twelve months ago. Although not the most consistent performer, there are indications that trainer Ben Pauling is on the brink of good form, making Your Darling a contender for back-to-back wins in the race. Fidelio Vallis exhibits good jumping over fences and put up a commendable performance after a 9-month absence, finishing 4 ¾ lengths 2nd of 5 at Musselburgh just 16 days ago. While stamina for the 2m 5f distance has to be taken on trust, if he stays, he’s likely to be in thereabouts.
2:35 – Gin Coco is poised to benefit from the improving ground conditions, having been withdrawn from the Greatwood Hurdle due to soft ground. The 7-year-old displayed a commendable performance, finishing 5th of 10 in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on his seasonal return. With the ground now more favourable, Gin Coco stands a good chance in what appears to be a highly winnable race. Gin Coco is too short for me but he looks the one to be with here.
The final two handicaps are arguably the most competitive races on the card.
3:10 – Tea Clipper is set to benefit from the improving ground conditions. Although not the strongest finisher, on a handy mark, and reproduction of last season’s 2 ½ length 3rd of 13 to Our Power over C&D, off 9lb higher, makes the 8-year-old as a contender returned to better ground. Manofthepeople, like Tea Clipper, missed last weekend’s Cheltenham assignment due to softened ground. The 8-year-old showcased a return to form, when neck 2nd of 11 at Exeter in his seasonal reappearance 25 days ago. With just five starts over fences, he remains unexposed, and the addition of first-time cheekpieces could unlock further improvement, even with a 4lb higher mark. Emir Sacree failed to complete on his last two starts last season but seemed to back to form when a 6 ¼ length 3rd of 7 at Chepstow on seasonal return last month. He was just a neck behind Tea Clipper that day and off the same terms shouldn’t be far away. Hold That Taught hasn’t won since October 2021 and isn’t the most fluent of jumpers but is now 10lb below the mark he started last season. Yard’s form is another plus, and the 8-year-old has a good record after a layoff.
3:45 – It could shape up to be a significant day for trainer Harry Derham, and he’s got a live contender in Scamallach Liath. The Irish point winner showed promise with placements in his four starts over hurdles for his previous trainer last season. Starting off for a new trainer, he seems capable off his current mark and is expected to put in a strong performance. Madaket displayed considerable improvement, securing a victory on his handicap hurdle debut at Chepstow 24 days ago. Despite a 7lb rise, the 5-year-old has room for further progress and stands out as a strong contender. Duke Of Deception, a dual winner over fences earlier this year, capitalized on a lower hurdle mark with a victory at Wetherby last month. With just a 4lb increase, there’s potential for more from this runner from a yard in good form. Spring Note, victorious against three rivals on her handicap hurdle debut at Newbury in the spring, faced challenges in better company at Cheltenham in April. I anticipate a better showing on her seasonal reappearance, especially with trainer Nicky Henderson’s runners going well.
Betting Advice:
Ascot
2:00 – Fidelio Vallis – 1pt win – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
3:10 – Manofthepeople – 1pt win – 7/2 @ Bet365 & William Hill
3:45 – Madaket – 1pt win – 15/2 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John