Racing

Ascot Place 6 Preview | 14th February

By Steven Dowler

13.15 Betfair Novices’ Hurdle

MONDOUI’BOY must have every chance in the opener. He split two good horses when second on debut on similar ground at Sandown and the first and third have boosted the form since. He made an impressive winning hurdles/stable debut at Ludlow last month and should prove hard to beat.

Tips: MONDOUI’BOY

13.50 Injured Jockeys Fund Ambassadors Programme Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)

THOMAS MOR ran really well when second in the Kauto Star over Christmas and is dropped in grade. Connections have appointed Harry Cobden to ride and the nine-year-old is already 2/2 at this venue, so he’s selected to continue his excellent record here at the expense of The Jukebox Kid.

Tips: THOMAS MOR

14.25 Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle

LIGHTNINGUPOURDAYS’ latest third at Hereford looks strong given the first and second have emerged as subsequent winners. He was right behind both of them in that formerly mentioned event too, so off a low weight with more to offer, the seven-year-old looks poised to have a say in the matter.

Tips: LIGHTNINGUPOURDAYS

15.00 Betfair Swinley Handicap Chase

JOYEUX MACHIN looked set to collect the Great Yorkshire Chase last time out until he departed when in the clear and going well and is fancied to gain revenge. The nine-year-old has surprisingly been left on the same mark and ran really well to finish second in a quality handicap hurdle event off this mark at this meeting last year, so he ticks plenty of boxes.

Tips: JOYEUX MACHIN

15.35 Betfair Ascot Chase

JONBON can enhance his remarkable record under rules with another Grade 1 success. He’s yet to finish outside the first two and gamely landed the Clarence House Chase at this course last time out. This will be the 10-year-old’s first stamina test but he’s often shaped like it would suit and won his both previous starts when running beyond two miles. Nicky Henderson’s star can see off defending champion Pic D’Orhy.

Tips: JONBON

16.10 Betfair Handicap Hurdle

Plenty to consider but DIAMATISTE has solid form under similar conditions and made a bold bid when second last time out. He looks just the type of horse that would suit a race like this and should be thereabouts. I doubt this mark is beyond him, but at worst case, he should place.

Tips: DIAMATISTE