Friday 22nd November 2024
12.20 Ascot: Safer Gambling Week “National Hunt” Maiden Hurdle: I’m focusing on Ascot on Friday where it’s their November meeting and getting things underway there is the 12.20 which is a Class 3 maiden hurdle over two miles and three and a half furlongs. I like First Confession here for Joe Tizzard and Brendan Powell. He’s a point winner who was third of eight on his first start under rules which came at Cheltenham last month, behind two potentially smart prospects in Potters Charm and Minella Sixo. It goes without saying that’s solid form and if he naturally progresses from the run he can have a big say in this. First Confession – 2/1 (Win)
12.55 Ascot: CopyBet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase: Next up is the 12.55 which is a Class 3 novice handicap chase over two miles and three furlongs. I’m taking a chance on Bad here for the team of Ben Pauling and Ben Jones. He’s yet to win in nine starts since coming to these shores, and he’s not been without some huge chances along the way, placing in some very competitive handicap hurdles. There’s times where you could argue that he hasn’t put it all in, however, most recently, he finished a length second to Bhaloo here earlier this month and that rival is possibly useful. He should come on for that run and I think he could break his duck in this. Bad – 7/2 (Win)
1.30 Ascot: Troy Asset Management “Introductory” Hurdle: The third race of the afternoon is the 1.30 which is a Class 2 introductory hurdle that’s contested over a mile and seven and a half furlongs. I’ve gone with Wade Out in this for Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen. He’s won all three of his outings to date, with one coming within the pointing sphere and the next two under rules. His most recent success came at Uttoxeter last month on hurdling debut where he beat We’re Red And Blue, with that rival since coming out and winning. He also beat recent Cheltenham winner Ace Of Spades in a bumper last term and I think he’s a horse with potential. This is his toughest test to date but he could well be up for the challenge. Wade Out – 7/2 (Win)
2.05 Ascot: CopyBet Handicap Chase: We move onto the 2:05 now which is Class 2 handicap chase action over two miles and five furlongs. I’m chancing Mylesfromwicklow here for Dan & Harry Skelton. He was beaten fairly soundly here last time out in a Premier Handicap when sixth behind Chianti Classico, however, that was over three miles and he should be more at home over this sort of trip. This is a slight ease in grade for him as well which he should appreciate and I think he can bounce back for his all-conquering connections. Mylesfromwicklow – 11/2 (Each-Way)
2.40 Ascot: LK Bennett Autumn Collection Handicap Hurdle: It’s back over the smaller obstacles at 2.40 with a Class 3 handicap hurdle over a mile and seven and a half furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of Break My Soul in this for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville. She ran a mighty race here on his handicap debut last month, finishing just a nose behind the then 131 rated Our Champ. That was a fine run to say the least, and she looks as though she’s got plenty of progression yet to come. It would be no surprise to me see a big effort here. Break My Soul – 3/1 (Win) (NAP)
3.15 Ascot: CopyBet UK Handicap Chase: My fifth and final selection comes within the 3.15 which is a Class 4 handicap chase that’s ridden over three miles. I’ve got another one that I’m strong on here and that’s Law Of Supply for the combination of Kim Bailey and Jonny Burke. He won eased down on his chasing debut at Worcester last month, and despite being given a ten pound hike for that success it’s likely that he could still have signficant room to manoeuvre in his current mark. Chasing certainly looks like his game, having not been tried in handicap hurdles following his maiden campaign, and I think he’s a big player here. Law Of Supply – 5/2 (Win) (NB)
