Coney Island set to be ace in pack at Ascot

Vintage renewal of Betfair Ascot Chase is on the cards

CONEY ISLAND can account for a bunch of top-class rivals in a cracking renewal of the Betfair Ascot Chase.

The fact that a hugely popular Cue Card, a dual winner of this race, can be backed at double-figure odds tells you all you need to know about the strength on depth on show.

Top Notch arguably sets the standard on this season’s form, while Waiting Patiently brings an unbeaten record to the party.

Coney Island was sidelined for a year after getting within half a length of Our Duke in a Grade One at Leopardstown, but proved his ability remains very much intact with a comeback victory over this course and distance, making a slow start before eventually cruising home by nine lengths once he got warmed up.

Clearly that race hardly bares comparison with this event, but Coney Island would be expected to progress, and this two miles and five furlongs certainly seemed to suit.

As he stays further, the testing ground should not be an issue and Coney Island can graduate to the top level in full company. THE DUTCHMAN will have plenty

on his plate against Blaklion in the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock, but can get the better of the Aintree favourite. SELECTIONS:

ASCOT: 1.15 Captain Cattistock, 1.50 Ms Parfois, 2.25 Gold Present, 3.00 Fixe Le Kap, 3.35 Coney Island, 4.10 Hatchet Jack, 4.45 Dancecraft.

HAYDOCK: 1.30 Shambra, 2.05 Agrapart, 2.40 Markov, 3.15 THE DUTCHMAN (NAP), 3.50 Black Ivory, 4.25 Golan Fortune, 5.00 Shotavodka.

DOUBLE: The Dutchman and Coney Island.