Katie Midwinter (28/10/22)
ASCOT
1.30pm – Class 3 Handicap Chase
Goshen is the warm favourite to make his chasing debut a winning one in the opener on the card at Ascot. He is the class of the four-runner field but will have to carry a hefty weight to victory.
The trip may slightly test his stamina, as he has only run once over a similar distance when fourth of five in last year’s Ascot Hurdle.
It’s difficult to know what to expect from the Gary Moore-trained six-year-old but he has captured many hearts and will have plenty of supporters cheering him on.
An alternative to the favourite is Ben Case’s Lanzarote Hurdle winner Cobblers Dream. He has been enjoying success over hurdles and is another making his first attempt at chasing. In the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival he travelled well throughout, jumping fluently and finding only Banbridge better.
The form of the race is quite impressive, given that Hollow Games was in third and Chemical Energy back in eighth. The latter was last seen winning at a canter at Cheltenham last week, and will be one to follow with interest this season.
2.05 – Bateaux London Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
Nicky Henderson’s Broomfield Burg is making his second appearance following a wind operation. This could be a good time to catch the six-year-old gelding, and he benefits from two recent runs.
That could indicate that he will be fit and ready for this challenge. Earlier in the year he was running in competitive races and could be forgiven for his below par performances. Prior to that he was running consistently well and could be good enough to make the frame here at a decent price.
2.40 – Handicap Chase (Class 1)
Popular grey Gumball was rated 150 last year and now runs off a mark of 137 which could make him a dangerous contender. He has already been well backed from 16/1 when the market opened, into a best price of 6/1, and there could be plenty more to come from him. He has ability and has been running on the flat over the summer.
It appears to be an open race and course and distance winner Before Midnight is likely to be dangerous. Daly Tiger, a new recruit formerly owned by Gigginstown House Stud and trained by Noel Meade, has potential on his day but carries hefty weight off a mark of 150.
3.15 – Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Class 1)
Kitty’s Light has been dropped 2lbs for his opening run of the season at Chepstow and could give a better showing of himself this time.
He was consistent last season and performed well in a number of big handicaps. It’s likely there’ll be other targets in mind for him but he’s a big price and Ellis Collier claims a useful 7lbs onboard.
WETHERBY
3:00pm – The West Yorkshire Hurdle (Grade 2)
Seven-year-old gelding Threeunderthrufive makes his seasonal reappearance over hurdles despite enjoying an impressive start to his chasing career last season in which he recorded four successive wins, including two Grade Two contests.
He was last seen running at Cheltenham finishing a distant sixth to winner L’Homme Presse in what was described as soft ground. Conditions were incredibly testing however, as the rain continued to pour down throughout the day, and most horses can be forgiven for underperforming on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Over hurdles he has won four from five, failing to win only once in the Albert Barlett Novices’ Hurdle as a five-year-old. He could possibly be the most reliable selection in this field, with a couple of other contenders having a tendency to be slightly inconsistent.
Paul Nicholls has made a promising start to the season, currently performing at a 30% strike rate, as he attempts to become champion trainer for the fourteenth time. There is plenty to like about Threeunderthrufive, who appears to be decent price in an open race.
Threeunderthrufive 7/1 – Paul Nicholls, A P Heskin
3:35pm – Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2)
Ahoy Senor was learning on the job during his novice season as a chaser, but showed plenty of natural ability and promise. He was last seen at Aintree in April where he beat three quality rivals to victory to land his first Grade One over fences.
Bravemansgame finished a distant fourth, thirty-lengths behind the winner, not giving his true showing. He has since had wind surgery and may perhaps benefit from a run.
Course and distance-winner Ahoy Senor has shown how effective he can be as a chaser, and given he is able to jump fluently and find his rhythm it’s difficult to see Bravemansgame being able to reverse form.
Others in the field include two former winners of the Denman Chase, last season’s victor Eldorado Allen as well as Secret Investor, who has been absent since winning the Newbury Grade Two in 2021.
Paint My Dream is up in trip but does benefit from a recent run and could outrun his huge odds, whilst Sam Brown could be one staying on towards the finish and able to pick up the pieces late on if there is a strong pace set in the race.
Ahoy Senor 6/4 – Lucinda Russell, Derek Fox
THE CONDITIONAL 