Hi all,
Saturday’s action will come thick and fast. We have the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. Ascot hosts a very competitive seven race jumps card with three very interesting handicaps.
Over at Down Royal we have Grade 1 action with the Champion Chase which has attracted a small but select field of five runners.
The evening sees the race action move stateside with more Breeders Cup action from Santa Anita.
Wetherby
15:05 – bet365 Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The West Yorkshire Hurdle) (Class 1) – 3m
Lord Napier improved for the step to 3m when winning a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown in February. Not so good when dropped back to 2m 4f at Uttoxeter on his next start but bounced back to form again when 5th of 15 in a Grade 1 at Aintree 210-days ago. Has 10lb to finds with favourite Unowhatimeanharry but he remains open to more improvement over 3m.
1pt win – Lord Napier – 9/1 @ Paddy Power & William Hill
3:40 – bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 3m
Looking at the race trends which contain 10 winners from 66 runners 21 placed.
Nine of the last ten winners of the Charlie Hall shared the following three traits:
Official Rating: 151 to 165
Headgear: None
Wins at Distance: 0 to 1
9 winners from 31 runners +21.35 16 placed
The only runner in the field to meeting those trends is Aso, trained Venetia Williams, who put in a career best when 2nd of 12 to Frodon in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen on a racecourse. The 9-year-old has to prove his stamina for a strongly run 3 miles but looks worth another try at the trip.
1pt win – Aso – 11/2 @ Paddy Power & Bet365
Ascot
2:10 – Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (Class 1) – 2m 1f
Despite the likelihood of pace pressure up front top-weight Speredek could be the answer here. The 8-year-old didn’t win any of his four starts last season but he’s 1lb lower than when a close-up second over C&D last November. Won first time up in 2017 so a 238-day absence doesn’t have to be a negative. Any more rain should also be a positive as he’s 5-10 on soft ground and he has to be considered a strong win contender here.
1pt win – Speredek – 13/2 @ Bet365
2:45 – Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (Class 1) – 1m 7 ½ f
Sixteen have been declared for this valuable handicap hurdle.
Likely favourite Adjali won his first start for Nicky Henderson last season. The 4-year-old didn’t really improve much on his debut win, but he was racing mostly in Grade 1 company in subsequent races. Drops into handicap company here and the trainer did win this race in 2014. Any easing of the ground enhances his chance. It can be tough for 4-year-old’s in handicaps like this and that age group are 1-19 in this race in the past 11-years.
Alan King has won this race for the last two years and he saddles Lisp. The 5-year-old returns from a 232-day absence today but did win on his seasonal reappearance last season. Finished runner-up her in a valuable C&D handicap last December, off 5lb lower. It won’t be easy under top weight of 11-12 and he hold’s no secrets from the handicapper but he’s still capable of a bold show.
Didtheyleaveuoutto won a good ground hurdle over C&D last December. He’s on a competitive mark but wouldn’t want the ground to ease much more.
Gumball, caught the eye when 3rd of 13 on his seasonal return. Back in action for the first time since May he was plenty keen enough out in front and was a spent force two out. To his credit he did well to hold on for third. Apart from hitting the first hurdle his jumping was neat and he was quick through the air. He’s started the season 10lb lower than he started the last one and looks on a competitive mark to win a handicap hurdle when his sights are lowered a bit. Fine on good to soft but he’s another who will be hoping the ground doesn’t ease much further. A useful 5lb conditional has been booked for the ride for a trainer who won this race in 2016.
Jolly’s Cracked It, trained by Harry Fry, won over C&D on his return from 706-day break last November. That was his fourth win at Ascot from seven starts. First time up looks the time to catch the 10-year-old and although he’s vulnerable to younger legs he’s not easily dismissed back at a track that suits.
1pt each way – Lisp – 15/2 @ Paddy Power (paying 5 places 1/5 odds) & William Hill (Paying 4 places ¼ odds)
3:20 – Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) – 3m
Seventeen are declared to run for what looks the most competitive race of the day.
Vinndication won two of his four start over fences and finished 3rd of 5 in Grade 1 behind Defi Du Seuil and Lostintranslation at Sandown in February. Was sent off the 15/8 favourite for that Grade 1 novices chase which shows how highly regarded the 6-year-old. Not so good in the JLT at the Cheltenham festival but he’s better going this way around. Two from two on his previous starts here and is 2-2 when returning from a 121-day break. Yet to race beyond 2m 6f but shouldn’t have any stamina issues over 3m. Plenty to like about his chance and he could be hard to beat despite his inexperience of a field size like this.
Regal Encore is dropping down the weights to a winnable mark and he’s 2-5 3 placed over C&D. You can never be sure what mood the 11-year-old is in but if anywhere close to his best can get into the money.
Trainer Gary Moore has won this race in 2016 & 2018 and he saddles Larry. The 6-year-old ended last season with a win at Sandown over 2m 4f, off 4lb lower. The return to 3m looks a positive and could unlock further improvement in the gelding.
Previous C&D winner Go Conquer always need respecting given how good his jumping can be. The 10-year-old was third in this race 12 months ago, off 8lb lower. Has nothing in hand of the handicapper and all his best form has come on good ground.
2pts win – Vinndication – 7/2 – Gen
Rather send out too much information all at once I have decided to send out last week’s eyecatcher’s out with this week’s either on Monday or Tuesday.
Cheers
John