Saturday 23rd December 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard to this week’s Saturday Preview where the focus turns to Ascot and Haydock where the respective feature races are the Long Walk Hurdle as well as the Tommy Whittle Chase. I’ll have fancies in both contests as well as a few more picks throughout the after, make sure to gamble responsibly if you are punting.
Prices correct as of Friday 22:00pm
1.30 Haydock: Betfred Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase: My first pick of the day comes in the 1.30 which is the Tommy Whittle Chase over three miles and a furlong and a half. I like the chances of Eleanor Bob here who’s a 6/1 chance for Venetia Williams and Lucy Turner who takes off five pounds. She made a pleasing return to action at this track last month when fourth of ten behind Famous Bridge and I think she’ll build on that here under a lowly weight, she shouldn’t have any ground issues either. Eleanor Bob – 6/1 (Each-Way)
1.50 Ascot: Howden Handicap Chase: We go onto Ascot now for the 1.50 which is the Howden Handicap Chase over two miles and three furlongs. I think that Cap Du Mathan can go well here for the team of Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. They were among the winners here on Friday and I think this eight-year-old is another who holds a serious chance, he should build on his seasonal reappearance run here last month when fourth behind Boothill and looks to be on a fair mark. Cap Du Mathan – 3/1F (Win)
2.25 Ascot: Long Walk Hurdle: The feature event of the day at Ascot comes up at 2.25 and that’s the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle over three miles and half of a furlong. This is far from a vintage renewal of the race, however, I’ve come down on West Balboa for Dan & Harry Skelton. She receives the mares allowance here and despite still having a bit to find on ratings against some of her older rivals here, I think she’s still got more progression yet to come and has every chance of going well in what I think is a poor Grade 1 here. West Balboa – 7/2JF (Win)
3.00 Ascot: Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase: It’s more competitive handicap action at 3.00 with the Hownde Silver Cup taking centre stage over three miles. I’m siding with Victtorino here who’s currently trading at a best price of 11/2 for Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch. He made a big impression on his stable debut when winning a Premier Handicap here last month, and I think that there could well be more to come from him for a stable that have been in fine form this season. Victtorino – 11/2 (Each-Way)
3.35 Ascot: Betfair Exchange Trophy: My fifth and final punt of the day comes in the 3.35 at Ascot which is a the Betfair Exchange Trophy, a Premier Handicap Hurdle over a mile and seven and a half furlongs. I’ve gone with Altobelli here for Harry Fry and Jonathan Burke. He posted a fine effort when second of twelve here on seasonal reappearance last month, and he’s only been nudged up a pound in the weights for that solid run. He’s another that I think could have significant progression yet to come, and he could post a very bold bid in this. Altobelli – 6/1 (Each-Way)
