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TOP NOTCH (2.05) will be cherry ripe for this Ascot test after a hurdles spin and was formidable over fences last term. Haydock The nod goes to who is just 3lb higher than
who has a good when last successful and seems to revel record at this track and will handle today’s when the mud is flying. ran a conditions. He made an encouraging stinker on his return but is better than return behind The New One at Ffos Las that and cheekpieces could make a and, despite a 2lb rise, has a capable difference. He could go well at bigger conditional taking a useful 5lb off. odds.
made a pleasing comeback when scoring at Stratford but is held by the selection on a run here last year and
may pose more of a threat. He ran an absolute blinder in a valuable Ascot event behind Elgin and has the services of the very useful James Bowen, who is well worth his claim. Ascot – A recent outing over hurdles will have put spot on for his return to the bigger obstacles. He transferred his excellent hurdles form – second in the 2015 Triumph – to fences last season winning the Grade One Scilly Isles before chasing Yorkhill home in the JLT at Cheltenham. The admirable scored nicely at Aintree and remains a force to be reckoned with along with who is better than his form figures suggest. He didn’t win last term but does boast success at Grade Two level and hails from a yard in decent form. Haydock –
developed into one of the best staying hurdlers last season and makes his handicap debut on what appears a favourable mark. There is every reason to believe that he would have won at Cheltenham in March but for capsizing two out but quickly made amends with a smooth success at Aintree in a Grade One contest. The step up to this trip should suit Ascot – It is difficult to oppose He is upped in trip for his return but is unbeaten in seven starts over hurdles and has the Champion Hurdle as his main aim. He improved with each run and ended the season with a Triumph and Anniversary Hurdle victories at Cheltenham and Aintree respectively. Last year’s runner-up disappointed at Wetherby and French Champion Hurdler winner looks the one for the forecast.
– has fallen twice in his last three starts but has won this race three times and will now try to emulate the great Kauto Star. Harry Cobden takes over the reins and we may very well see the Cue Card of 12 months ago when he gave Coneygree a 15-length thumping. However, may just have the edge. He won with a little in hand at Wetherby and has a perfect record at this track – winning both starts and crucially when the ground was testing. Ascot – The first three home 12 months ago are back again for another crack but is suggested. He ran a cracker on his reappearance in Exeter’s Haldon Gold Cup behind his talented stablemate Politologue and a repeat gives him every chance.
proved too good for last year with third and
back in sixth. Quite By Chance makes most appeal this time after his effort over course and distance behind Exitas earlier this month. Haydock – There is probably more to come from who has been plagued with little niggles but caught the eye on his Cheltenham comeback behind Cogry. That run will have put him spot on for this race which seems a tad less competitive. The Midlands Grand National hero remains of interest off his present mark. He ran really well on this card last year when runner-up in the 12.40 and, in these conditions, his stamina will come into play.