Hi all,
It’s the final day of the Berkshire Winter Million Festival. After Ascot on Saturday, the action on Sunday returns to Windsor.
ITV will broadcast seven races, including four from Windsor, two from Fakenham, and the Grade 2 Horse & Jockey Chase (2:05) at Thurles.
In today’s main piece I’m taking a quick look at the four ITV races at Windsor.
Windsor
Source: Racing Post
The Sunday highlight is the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase, offering £85,850 to the winner.
1:55 – Fitzdares Great Park Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m
Dan Skelton fields three runners: Etalon, Harper’s Brook, and Unexpected Party. Etalon caught the eye at Cheltenham last month and enjoys soft ground. I think being bought along with a target in mind and could be this race. Harper’s Brook, a recent Wetherby winner, is just 3lb higher but needs to be delivered as late as possible. Matata could shine on this sharp track and comes into the race in excellent form.
2:30 – Weatherbys Racing Bank Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 3m
Jipcot is up 8lb after a recent Newbury win and must prove his stamina for 3m. Minella Missile returns from a long layoff but remains an exciting prospect off a lenient mark if fully fit. Stablemate Dans Le Vent went close last time but the 12-year-old may struggle against younger rivals.
3:05 – Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase (Class 2) – 2m 6f
Ryanair winner Protektorat is the class act but might not relish a tactical race. Pic D’Orhy could dominate from the front but there must be concerns over his stable’s form. Djelo, who beat Protektorat last time, looks a strong contender if he stays the trip. Ahoy Senor has the talent but is unreliable. You can forgive his last time out effort on heavy ground at Haydock and this track could suit. Indiana Dream, now with Jonjo O’Neill, showed promise winning a Navan beginners' chase last season. Off for 407 days and lightly raced with just three starts, he’s an intriguing contender if retaining his old ability.
3:40 – Fitzdares Windsor Stayers Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 3m 5f
Fortunate Man has scope for improvement after a recent Aintree win and should stay marathon trips. Zertakt looked in need of further and soft ground when third at Newbury last time. He’s open to further improvement over fences. Minella Blueway has shown steady improvement on his last three starts over fences and should appreciate this longer distance.
In tomorrow's column I'll be looking back at the Berkshire Winter Million Weekend.
Good luck with your Sunday bets
John