Hi all,
I was looking forward to Ascot on Friday but the easing of the ground to heavy means field sizes are down on what could have been expected.
Ascot
1:55 – Debuchet is a rare British runner for Irish trainer ‘Mags’ Mullins. The 6-year-old who had finished runner-up in the 2017 Champion Bumper at Cheltenham didn’t win over hurdles but made a good start to his career over fences when making all to win a novice chase at Fairyhouse 31-days ago. Sully D’Oc AA built on the promise of his chase debut when runner-up to Fanion D’Estruval at Newbury three weeks ago. He was not match for the very impressive winner that day but was clear of the third and can win a race like this off his present mark. Trainer Anthony Honeyball has his horses in great form, and he can get the better of the Irish challenger.
1pt win – Sully D’Oc AA – 9/4 @ Bet365
3:05 – Fortunate George was an eyecatcher when plugging on into third on heavy ground at Sandown 13-days ago. The 9-year-old handles heavy ground but has never won the going. He’s now 9lb lower than his last win at Wincanton in February 2018 and is a well handicapped horse now dropped back into Class 3 company. Each way claims on a potentially tricky day for punters.
0.5pts each way – Fortunate George – 9/1 @ Bet365 & Betway
Dundalk
6:45 – Settle For Bay has dropped back down to the same mark as when winning the Hunt Cup at Ascot back in 2018. Four from six here at Dundalk, no issues with the surface, and shaped back in June like he retains plenty of ability when 4th in listed company at Leopardstown. First run since a poor run in this years Hunt Cup, soft ground probably didn’t suit. Will no doubt be heading out to Meydan for the rest of the winter. Despite the drop back to 7f he’s got the class to win this if fit enough and it’s worth noting he did win off a similar lay off in 2017. Trainer has his horses in winning form and won the big race here last Friday.
1pt each way – Settle For Bay – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Cheers
John