Small fields might be the order of the day but that doesn’t take away from the equine quality on show at Ascot. The seven-race card is headlined by two Grade 2 contests – Coral Hurdle and Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase, the latter featuring top-level winners Dashel Drasher, Defi Du Seuil and Lostintranslation.
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Racing Post tipster Tom Collins previews Saturday’s action at Ascot for MansionBet.
12.20 Ascot – Molton Brown Novices’ Hurdle
This opening novices’ hurdle looks to be a match between Exeter bumper winner Flemenstide and the improving Jazz King, who narrowly gets the vote. An attractive grey who has improved on each of his three starts, Jazz King was last seen finishing a gallant second to promising recruit Monbeg Genius at Ffos Las. The pair drew 36 lengths clear of the third-placed finisher and it was evident that the step up in trip was the catalyst to a better display. He can make it fourth-time lucky for trainer Sam Thomas.
Selection: Jazz King
12.55 Ascot – Ebony Horse Club Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase
After a process of elimination, Jeremy Pass is selected as the most solid option in a race that features several young horses who have failed to deliver on their early promise. The scopey six-year-old has always been expected to improve over fences and ran promisingly on his chase debut at Chepstow last month, albeit he travelled the best throughout and had no real excuses. However, he might take a step forward with that run under his belt and he holds rival Pats Fancy on that showing.
Selection: Jeremy Pass
1.30 Ascot – Colts & Fillies Club Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
Few jockeys ride as well as Jamie Moore at Ascot and he’s an interesting jockey booking for the Sue Gardner-trained Emmpressive Lady. This six-year-old mare improved the best part of three stone for her current connections last season and followed an impressive victory over Whitehotchillifili with a creditable second to the highly talented Molly Ollys Wishes. She may have been over the top when last seen at Haydock and is fancied to return to her previous form after a break.
Selection: Emmpressive Lady
2.05 Ascot – Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase
Although there are only six runners in this field, three of them have previously won a Grade 1 and Master Tommytucker is a regular at the top level. The Paul Nicholls-trained chaser and antepost favourite Dashel Drasher look sure to set a solid pace, which should suit the rejuvenated Defi Du Seuil. He was one of several horses from the Philip Hobbs yard that failed to perform to a high standard last season and is expected to bounce back now that the stable is back in form.
Selection: Defi Du Seuil
2.40 Ascot – Coral Hurdle
Outsiders Guard Your Dreams and Molly Ollys Wishes aren’t easily overlooked, but the class of Cesarewitch winner Buzz is fancied to pull him through as he returns to Ascot. Two prior efforts at the Berkshire track have resulted in an emphatic seven-length romp and an eyecatching second to runaway pacesetter Not So Sleepy in the Betfair Exchange Trophy. His runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle put him under the spotlight for leading contests this year and his recent Flat success confirms his well-being.
Selection: Buzz
3.15 Ascot – Gerard Bertrand Hurst Park Handicap Chase
Another small field and another horse at the top of the betting that is hard to oppose. Before Midnight remains lightly raced over fences for shrewd trainer Sam Thomas and couldn’t have been more impressive at Cheltenham on his seasonal return, where he fended off the reopposing Sky Pirate by six lengths. The bold-jumping eight-year-old will appreciate the test that Ascot presents and is fancied to rack up his fourth consecutive win.
Selection: Before Midnight
3.50 Ascot – Box4kids Open National Hunt Flat Race
There are very few pieces of form on offer in the closing bumper and several debutants catch the eye for leading connections. It might be worth taking a chance on Jerrash for trainer Gary Moore, despite his 1-24 record in Ascot bumpers. This homebred four-year-old is a full brother to Robin’s Dream, who finished fifth on his debut but has looked a pretty precocious type and recently recorded an overdue success.
Selection: Jerrash
*All odds correct at time of writing
