IT’S GAME ON!
Nicholls’ stayer is ready to become a right Charlie
BRAVEMANSGAME (3.35) is tipped for top honours in a fascinating bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.
Paul Nicholls’ stayer locks horns with Ahoy Senor, who held sway on two of their previous meetings ahead of this season opener.
But Bravemansgame was well below his best when his old rival impressed onlookers with a five-length call in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase.
Freshened up and aided by a wind op, hopes are high the selection mirrors former stablemate Cyrname’s comeback and lands the £56,950 first prize.
MOLLY OLLYS WISHES (2.25) is fancied to record back-to-back triumphs in the Listed bet365 Mares’ Hurdle.
She readily brushed aside the opposition 12 months ago and looks the one to beat again with conditions to suit.
Grade Two bet365 Hurdle outsider OSCAR ELITE (3.00) can outrun his odds under Brendan Powell, right.
A blunder cost the seven-year-old a Cheltenham novices’ chase win at the start of the last campaign, taken by the reopposing Three under thru five.
Four places ahead of that rival when runner-up in the 2021 Albert Bartlett, he then followed home Ahoy Senor and Bravemansgame at Aintree.
His trainer Joe Tizzard has made a good start to proceedings and there is a question mark over favourite Sporting John’s stable.
Ben Pauling’s JOE DADANCER (1.50) is the bet365 Novices’ Hurdle pick, while Goshen is one to take on in the Ascot Underwriting Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
Progressive hurdler COBBLERS DREAM
(1.30) is an interesting opponent for the unpredictable favourite.
Fresh from a hurdles run, POPPA POUTINE (3.15) has each-way claims in the Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase. Nigel TwistonDavies’ runner stayed on particularly well to score at Wincanton and, from a 6lb higher mark, should enjoy Ascot’s jumping test from the front. Well-handicapped
GUMBALL
(2.40) showed his wellbeing on the Flat last month and represents in-form Fergal O’Brien in the Byrne Group Handicap Chase.
ANYHARMINASKING
(2.05) is a horse to follow for the season, with the Bateaux London Handicap Hurdle his first port of call.