Racing
Ascot Win 6 Preview | 1st November
12.55 Grundon Waste Management Conditional Jockeys’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
AT THE OCHE has won two of his four starts and built up on the promise he showed when second on hurdles debut to open his account at Ffos Las 16 days ago. He made heavy weather of it, but should have more to offer and must be considered a contender for his in-form yard. THISTLE BE THE ONE & SAGE GREEN are others to consider.
Tips: AT THE OCHE, THISTLE BE THE ONE & SAGE GREEN
13.30 Ascot Underwriting Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
Paul Nicholls’ eight-year-old VIROFLAY will ensure there’s no hiding place in this event. He was last seen running a blinder to finish second in the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown, and with the likelihood of a soft lead, I think he’s going to be tough to pass.
Tips: VIROFLAY
14.05 Grundon Waste Management Handicap Chase
L’EAU DU SUD won his first four starts over fences last season, including a Grade 1 at Sandown, before being far from discredited at Cheltenham and Aintree. I don’t think he’s badly handicapped off a mark of 155 and the seven-year-old is open to improvement. Dan Skelton’s charge looks a big player under Tristan Durrell, who can take off an additional 3lb. SPECIAL CADEAU & AUTHORIZED ART are played as cover.
Tips: L’EAU DU SUD, SPECIAL CADEAU & AUTHORIZED ART
14.35 GL Events Novices’ Hurdle
I like the claims of TRUSTINTIMES for the Harry Fry camp. This son of Time Test is unbeaten in two starts in this sphere and beat a subsequent winner on hurdles debut. He is up against some fellow promising youngsters, but he’s done little wrong to date and should make a bold bid. I’ll also include MILITARY ALLIANCE and newcomer SOOMAROY.
Tips: TRUSTINTIMES, MILITARY ALLIANCE & SOOMAROY
15.10 Lavazza Handicap Hurdle
The one that appeals the most to me is MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE. Nigel Twiston Davies’s gelding remains on the same mark as when second on his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow.
He hasn’t had much luck on his previous three starts at this venue but is dangerously well handicapped and has the form to pose a serious threat. TORRENT placed in multiple Grade 2 events last season and ran a lovely race when runner-up on his return behind Gibbs Island at Chepstow three weeks ago. ALEXEI cannot be ruled out either.
Tips: MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE, TORRENT & ALEXEI
15.45 Sodexo Live! Gold Cup Handicap Chase
The Sodexo Gold Cup looks extremely competitive but I’ll take a chance on BLOW YOUR WAD, who finished second on his return last season and looks well handicapped off a mark of 142.
This will be his first run over three miles but he’s often shaped as though it would suit, especially when staying on to finish fifth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham when last seen. LE COQ HARDI is interesting.
Tips: BLOW YOUR WAD & LE COQ HARDI
