Saturday 17th February 2024
Author: Jordan Yates (jordan_yates_)
Ascot Chase Day
1.50: Sodexo Live! Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase: My first punt of this week’s Saturday Preview comes in the 1.50 at Ascot which is the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase that’s contested over three miles. I’m with Brave Kingdom here for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. He returned from a lengthy absence to win back-to-back races within handicaps and looks well worth a crack at this. Three miles shouldn’t be an issue at all given his success last time out at Newbury in December, and I fancy him to go very well. Brave Kingdom – 4/1 (Win)
2.25: Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Handicap Hurdle: Next up for me is the 2.25 at Ascot which is a handicap hurdle over two miles and three and a half furlongs. I’m taking a chance on Bad here who represents the team of Ben Pauling and Ben Jones. He’s yet to win since being recruited from France, however, he’s posted some very encouraging efforts, including on his latest two outings where he placed twice within competitive handicaps, the most recent coming when finishing third here back in December. He’s up in trip here which could well suit having won over this sort of trip back in France, and he’s still unexposed. Bad – 13/2 (Each-Way)
3.00: Injured Jockeys Fund Ambassadors Programme Swinley Handicap Chase: Moving onto my third selection of the afternoon which comes in the 3.00 which is more competitive handicap action, this time over fences and three miles. I like the chances of Threeunderthrufive here who’s another for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. He’s run two very solid races this term when finishing second in two extremely competitive handicaps in the Badger Beers as well as a Premier Handicap at Cheltenham in December. His mark is creeping up, however, I still think he has room to maneuver, and good to soft ground is seemingly exactly what he’s after. He’s a big player in this. Threeunderthrufive – 4/1 (Win)
3.36: Betfair Ascot Chase: Signing me off for the afternoon will be the feature which is the Grade 1 Ascot Chase that’s ridden over two miles and five furlongs. I find it hard to get away from L’Homme Presse here who currently heads the betting for the team of Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch. He made a winning return to the track following a lay-off when getting the better of Protektorat in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield last time out. He should have too much for his rivals here and take this en route to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. L’Homme Presse – 4/5 (NAP) (Win)
NAP Watch:
16/02: Carnfunnock (5/2) – (Unplaced)
15/02: Victoria Milano (11/8) – (Won)
14/02: Time To Dazzle (9/4) – (Won)
11/02: Galia Des Liteaux (5/4) – (Unplaced)
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