Racing

Ascot Win 6 Preview | 20th December

12.40 Howden Graduation Chase

All of the three could win the opener and it’s hard to separate them. Multiple Grade 1 places FIREFOX landed the spoils at Down Royal on his return and could be hard to beat. However, JAMES DU BERLAIS should step forward from his comeback run at the highest level and make a race of it. IROKO shaped nicely behind The Jukebox Man at Haydock and also has leading claims.

Tips: FIREFOX, JAMES DU BERLAIS & IROKO

13.15 Karen Codd Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

BUZZ ICECLEAR is undoubtedly thriving at present since stepping up to three miles in handicap company and a 10lb rise for his latest success might not be enough to stop him from completing the hat-trick. HAVEFUNONTHERUN went very close to upsetting an odds-on favourite at Southwell last month and must enter calculations with more to offer.

Tips: BUZZ ICECLEAR & HAVEFUNONTHERUN

13.50 Howden Handicap Chase

ISSAM has won two of his three chase starts and was narrowly denied in between those victories at Sandown. A good winner on his return at Wetherby, there should be more to come from this progressive seven-year-old. Others to consider include the capable RARE EDITION and bottom weight THE FAMOUS FIVE.

Tips: ISSAM, RARE EDITION & THE FAMOUS FIVE

14.25 Howden Long Walk Hurdle

Aintree Grade 1 winner HONESTY POLICY concluded last season with a second to the Albert Bartlett winner at Punchestown when tackling three miles for the first time and is open to plenty more improvement over this trip this season. The likeable COLONEL MUSTARD beat The Yellow Clay in a Grade 2 event when last seen and could outrun his odds, while STRONG LEADER is sure to be thereabouts.

Tips: HONESTY POLICY, COLONEL MUSTARD & STRONG LEADER

15.00 Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase

This Silver Cup is wide-open on paper but BLOW YOUR WAD caught the eye when staying on strongly to take third in the Sodexo Gold Cup over C&D on his return and must be a contender off an unchanged mark. HYLAND ran well for a long way in the Coral Gold Cup last time out and should find this a bit easier, so he’s another to enter the equation.

Tips: BLOW YOUR WAD & HYLAND

15.35 Ascot Rotary Club Festive Handicap Hurdle

WRECKLESS ERIC at double digits. He hasn’t been out since finishing down the field at the Grand National Festival but is better judged on his previous half-length second in the Imperial Cup (looked unlucky) and both the winner and third have subsequently franked the form. He’s dangerous to rule out off a low weight. MONDO MAN, ALEXEI and LIVE CONTI are others to consider.

Tips: WRECKLESS ERIC, MONO MAN, ALEXEI & LIVE CONTI