Racing

Ascot Place 6 Preview | 19th December

12.40 Howden Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

A wide-open opener and I like two at each-way odds. KAPAL LAYAR failed to beat a rival when last at Carlisle on his return but better was expected given his starting price and this should reveal more with his sights lowered. I’m expecting him to take a step forward from that return and get involved at the business end.

LUCKY ONE ran below form at Chepstow when last seen but his previous third at Newton Abbot looks good form and he’s 2lb lower in the handicap. He must be well handicapped and has no weight on his back either, so at double-figure digits, the Leech’s representative could be worth an interest in the opener.

Tips: KAPAL LAYAR & LUCKY ONE

13.15 Howden Maiden Hurdle

BIG TICKET couldn’t get to grips with Etna Bianca over track and trip last time out but gave it a good go from the front and that form should stand him well in this lesser event.

He’s been solid in finishing second on both starts and is open to considerable improvement. Under another positive ride, this well-built four-year-old can put his experience to good use.

Tip: BIG TICKET

13.50 Howden Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

STENCIL has been highly tried on all three starts in the UK to date and earns the vote to get off the mark at the second time of asking in this sphere with less on his plate.

This youngster ran a a lot better than the beaten margin indicated when fifth on chase debut in a Grade 2 event at Cheltenham (travelled well) and ought to have learned a lot from that experience.

The fact that connections have appointed Harry Cobden to ride is very interesting, so with JP McManus’s runner dropped in grade, he can make his class count.

Tip: STENCIL

14.25 Ascot Shop Handicap Hurdle

LET IT RAIN hasn’t been seen for well over 300 days, but she makes her seasonal/handicap debut off a very lenient mark of 120 and I fancy her to continue where she left off last season.

Dan Skelton’s mare has won three of her four start to date, including when a comfortable Listed bumper winner over C&D, where she had the classy Celtic Dino well back in third.

Just on that evidence, she looks thrown in here off this figure, and that’s not mentioning her second to French Ship at Chepstow, as the first and third have won again since.

She won very easily on her debut so this absence is unlikely to be a concern. To me, this seems like a bit of a plot, so she’s fancied to have a big say in the outcome.

Tip: LET IT RAIN

15.00 Howden Noel Novices’ Chase

STEEL ALLY was very smart over hurdles and the form of his neck-second in the Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle has worked out well. The winner Nemean Lion ran well when third in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, while the third (Salver) and fourth (Blueking D’oroux) have both emerged as subsequent Grade 2 winners.

That is the best form on offer, let alone his impressive chase debut success at Carlisle when thumping the 149-rated Unexpected Party. With plenty more to come, Sam Thomas’s charge is a confident choice to land proceedings under Dylan Johnston.

Tip: STEEL ALLY

15.35 King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open NH Flat Race 

BARROW HILL LAD looked very professional when scoring on debut at Ffos Las and could turn out to be above average, so he’s worth consideration. FORTHFACTOR has won both of his starts by a combined 10 lengths and is worth his place in this grade, so he’s another to note.

Tips: BARROW HILL LAD & FORTHFACTOR