Racing
Ascot Place 6 preview | 17th February
13.15 – Ascot Shop Novices’ Hurdle
INTHEWATERSIDE has won four of his five starts under rules, including twice over hurdles, and should be difficult to beat in the opener, with more to come. PHANTOMOFTHEPOINTS has made the frame in all three starts and could be the one to give the favourite the most to think about.
Tips: INTHEWATERSIDE, PHANTOMOFTHEPOINTS
13.50 – Sodexo Live! Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)
KILBEG KING has taken well to this sphere and has already displayed his best form over this distance. He is the highest-rated runner in the field and drops in grade after a creditable third in a Grade 1 race at Kempton over the Christmas period. BRAVE KINGDOM is unbeaten in two starts over fences and should be thereabouts.
Tips: KILBEG KING, BRAVE KINGDOM
14.25 – Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Handicap Hurdle
TEDDY BLUE ran well for a long way when sixth in the Lanzarote Hurdle last time out and will be better suited to this easier race and drop in grade. He is a pound lower for this contest and could make a serious impact. RARE EDITION can also go on the shortlist.
Tips: TEDDY BLUE, RARE EDITION
15.00 – Injured Jockeys Fund Ambassadors Programme Swinley Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
SHAN BLUE returned to form with a good second at this course last time out and will relish the return to this longer distance. He must have a serious chance off a capable mark of 143. DO YOUR JOB is also well handicapped on previous form and won a shade comfortably last time out. He is another to consider on his stable debut for Charlie Longsdon.
Tips: SHAN BLUE, DO YOUR JOB
15.36 – Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1)
PIC D’ORHY only found Banbridge too strong in the Silviniaco Conti at Kempton five weeks ago and was second in this race last year. He bolted up over C&D on his return and has been aimed at this race all season, so he gets the main vote to come out on top. AHOY SENOR has the class to win this as well, if at his best. I’ll advise these two against the favourite.
Tips: PIC D’ORHY, AHOY SENOR
16.10 – Ascot Racecourse Supports Box4Kids Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Stayers Hurdle Series Qualifier)
COCO MADEMOISELLE was turned over at short odds last time out, but the winner has subsequently won a Grade 2 race, so the form has a strong look to it, and she should go very well on handicap debut, with this longer trip expected to suit. The in-form HAVAILA is another to consider, with Harry Cobden keeping the ride.
Tips: COCO MADEMOISELLE, HAVAILA
