Hi everyone,
Ascot's two-day November meeting kicks off, but with only fifty-four runners declared across seven races, the fields seem thinner than expected. Despite the chill in the air and a potential morning frost on Saturday, the action promises to heat up on the Berkshire track.
Ascot
In the Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (12:50), The Carpenter and Monviel vye for favoritism. The former, useful over hurdles, can make a winning chase debut for Nicky Henderson. However, Monviel has chase experience on his side and that could prove vital here.
Fire Dancer, a winner at Ludlow in January on stable debut for Venetia Williams, failed to complete on next two starts. He's had wind surgery over the summer and bids for redemption in the S.A.F.E. Handicap Chase (2:00).
Your Darling, last year's race winner from a 5lb lower mark, returns from a 112-day layoff. Despite not being the most consistent performer, there are signs trainer Ben Pauling could be hitting form making Your Darling a contender for back-to-back wins.
Fidelio Vallis, a good jumper of a fence, delivered a commendable performance after a 9-month absence, finishing 4 ¾ lengths 2nd at Musselburgh just 16 days ago. While stamina for the 2m 5f distance is uncertain, if he stays, he's likely to be in the mix.
Connections of Gin Coco will be hoping the drying trend continues and will be eyeing victory in the Class 2 Garden For All Seasons Handicap Hurdle (2:35).
The final two handicaps on the card at 3:10 and 3:45 are for me the most competitive on the card.
Tea Clipper Eyes Victory on Drying Ground: Key Contenders and Form Insights Unveiled!
3:10 – Tea Clipper, will benefit from drying ground. He’s not the strongest of finishers but holds promise with a favourable mark and a noteworthy 2 ½ length 3rd of 13 to Our Power over C&D last season (9lb lower today).
Manofthepeople, missed his intended Cheltenham engagement due to soft ground. He displayed a return to form with a neck 2nd at Exeter 25 days ago and is of interest wearing the first-time cheekpieces.
Emir Sacree, showed signs of a return to form, after two non-completions at the end of last season, when a 6 ¼ length third at Chepstow last month, just a neck behind Tea Clipper. On the same terms here and won't be far away.
Hold That Taught, hasn’t won since October 2021 and isn’t the most fluent of jumpers but is 10lb below the mark he started last season. Yard’s form is another plus, and the 8-year-old has a good record after a layoff.
Will Madaket's Recent Improvement Continue?
3:45 – Trainer Harry Derham has a strong contender in Scamallach Liath, an Irish point winner he shaped with promise on his four starts for his previous yard. Starting off for a new trainer, he seems capable off his current mark and is expected to put in a strong performance.
Madaket, with the potential for improvement and a recent Chepstow handicap hurdle debutant winner, remains a robust contender despite a 7lb rise. Yard going through a quiet spell at the moment.
Duke Of Deception, a dual winner over fences last season, secured a hurdle win at Wetherby on his return and is another in the mix.
Spring Note, a winner on her handicap hurdle debut at Newbury in the spring, struggled in better company at Cheltenham in April. I anticipate a better showing on her seasonal reappearance, especially with trainer Nicky Henderson's runners going so well.
Ascot Verdict:
Ok, the field sizes could be bigger but its an intriguing card at Ascot and it should provide some exciting action.
Will trainer Harry Derham have a big day?
Can Fire Dancer return to winning ways after wind surgery to land the 2:00?
Will Madaket's recent improvement continue in the lucky last.
Stay tuned!
Friday Selection:
Scamallach Liath has strong claims and is one, I fear. Nevertheless, I’m going with Madaket despite the form of his yard in the lucky last.
Ascot
3:45 – Madaket – 15/2 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John