Hi all,
The Howden Christmas Racing Weekend gets underway at Ascot this afternoon. The feature is the Grade 2 Howden Noel Novices’ Chase (3:00), a race previously won by the likes of Djelo, Pic D'Orhy, Politologue and Simonsig. The card concludes with a potentially informative Listed bumper (3:35).
Inside today’s main piece, I’m focusing solely on Ascot.
Ascot
There’s been plenty of rain around at Ascot. The going eased to soft as of Thursday afternoon.
1:50 – Howden Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m1f
Excelero, a three-time hurdle winner, got off the mark at the second attempt over fences at Windsor. There should be more to come from the 5yo in this sphere. He jumped well last time, and soft ground is a positive.
Stencil travelled well for a long way in the Grade 2 Arkle Trial at Cheltenham before fading late on. The hood goes on for the first time. He handles rain-softened ground and looks the class act on his best hurdle form.
2:25 – Ascot Shop Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) – 1m7½f
The Hardest Geezer has his quirks but has finished runner-up on both starts this season. Even with a 3lb rise for his latest effort, he remains on a workable mark. His sole hurdle win came on soft ground, so conditions should suit.
Tashan improved to win on handicap debut at Exeter 26 days ago. He only scraped home but had more in hand than the margin of victory suggests. A 2lb rise looks lenient. Soft ground is the question, but he’s open to further improvement over hurdles.
King William Rufus won this race last year from 15lb lower. He’s also a Cheltenham winner from 3lb lower in April and isn’t handicapped out of things. However, soft ground is a concern.
He's A Latchico returned to winning ways at Leicester on soft ground 19 days ago. He’s 6lb higher and in a deeper race, but underfoot conditions are in his favour.
3:00 – Howden Noel Novices' Chase (Grade 2) – 2m3f
Steel Ally made a good impression on chase debut when winning a graduation chase (2m) at Carlisle. He handles soft ground well and should improve further over fences. He deserves his chance at this level but must concede 3lb to his four rivals
No Questions Asked won over C&D on chase debut and improved again when second to Wendigo in a Grade 2 at Newbury 21 days ago. He should be fine on soft ground, is capable of better and looks the one to beat.
3:35 – King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open NH Flat Race (Listed) – 1m7½f
I was on last year’s winner, but this looks a tougher puzzle. There are several nice prospects among the runners.
Just For Dad is the one I’m most interested in. Sam Thomas pitches the 4yo straight into Listed company on racecourse debut. He’s a half-brother to Lump Sum, who also won first time out, and is clearly well thought of at home. This is what the trainer told the Racing Post.
There’s a good chance he’s ready to do himself justice on debut.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a look at the best of the ITV action from Ascot and Haydock.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John