Friday 21st November 2025
Ascot
NAP: FORTUNE DE MER – (2.35)
NB: SAINT JEANNAIS – (3.45)
12.15: LORIKO has posted a couple of encouraing efforts so far this term for the Skeltons, in his first two outings since coming to these shores from France. He’s finished third at both Uttoxeter and Cheltenham, behind a couple of promising types in De Temps En Temps and Give It To Me OJ. Notably, keeping on in both starts over two miles, giving the impression that this step up in distance could well unlock further improvement. (Win)
12.50: DOCTOR BLUE took a big step forward on his seasonal reappearance last month at Cheltenham, finishing a head second to Fortune De Mer in Grade 2 company at the October Meeting. That’s the best current form on offer in the race here, and connections won this race last year with Celtic Dino. He’s got every chance of having a big say. (Win)
1.25: LUCKY PLACE is incredibly hard to oppose here on chasing debut for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville. He’s clear on ratings based on hurdling form, and has form at this track, having won the Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle at this meeting last year. If he takes well to the larger obstacles, he should prove very tough to beat. (Win)
2.00: ROYAL JEWEL is far less exposed than the rest of the line-up here, and is still possibly on the upgrade for Phillip Hobbs and Johnson White. He won going away on his seasonal reappearance at Newton Abbott, and despite a nine-pound rise, the track may play to his strengths more. He could well be bang on the premises once again. (Win)
2.35: FORTUNE DE MER posted a career best effort at Cheltenham last month when getting the better of Doctor Blue to take Grade 2 honours, and he steps into handicap company for the first time here. He could well be considerably better than his current rating, and he looks like the one to beat for the Skelton team. (NAP) (Win)
3.10: SAFE DESTINATION looks like a solid option here for the in-form Twiston-Davies team. He was a four-length winner on his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow last month, and followed up with a solid keeping-on second-placed effort at Kempton the following week. He has race fitness on his side, and he should give his running again off five pounds higher. (Each-Way)
3.45: SAINT JEANNAIS has the potential to be a smart recruit for the Paddy Brennan Racing Club, and he made a big impression on his rules debut at Worcester last time out, winning by seven and a half lengths. He has the penalty for that success here; however, he’s likely to have taken another big step forward. (NB) (Win)
