Friday 19th December 2025
Ascot
NAP: EXCELERO – (1.50)
NB: BASS HUNTER – (3.35)
Treble: CRYSTAL ISLAND – (1.15)
12.40: PUNTA DEL ESTE hasn’t been seen to best effect since joining David Pipe; however, as a result, he’s dropped down the weights to a mark that ought to be competitive off sooner rather than later. He also has a further ten pounds coming off his back here via Rian Corcoran’s claim. If he shows any of the form he showed for Dan Skelton, he could be worth chancing at a big price. (20/1) (Each-Way)
1.15: CRYSTAL ISLAND could be a smart recruit from the pointing sphere for Nicky Henderson. He won his sole pointing start by three and a half lengths and was sold for £205,000 following that success. There’s every chance he could be too good here. (5/2) (Win) (Treble)
1.50: EXCELERO was a decisive winner at Warwick last time out, winning by nine and a half lengths last month. He’s been raised seven pounds for that success, which looks fair, as he’s still open to further improvement. He should be bang there again for the in-form Jane Williams yard. (2/1) (Win) (NAP)
2.25: THE HARDEST GEEZER has gone close in both of his starts this term, with both coming within handicap company. Most recently, he finished half of a length second of nine at Windsor, and there’s nothing to suggest that he can’t be bang on the premsies again here. (6/1) (Each-Way)
3.00: JAX JUNIOR created a big impression on his second chase start at Kempton last time out, getting the better of Jeriko Du Reponet by twelve-lengths. That was an impressive display, and it’s highly likely that he’s still on the upgrade. If he takes another step forward here, he has to be considered as a serious player for Lucy Wadham. (11/4) (Win)
3.35: BASS HUNTER was a seven-length winner of a point and wasted no time in opening his account under rules, winning a bumper at Newbury by eight lengths last month. He steps up in grade here, but if he takes a step forward from his last run, he has every chance of being there at the business end for the Gordons. (15/8) (Win) (NB)
