Williams’ Ibleo can start his campaign with a bang at Ascot
Ibleo can begin his new campaign with victory in the tote. co. uk Handicap Chase at Ascot today.
Venetia Williams' lightlyraced seven- year- old demonstrated last season both that he can go well after a break and has significant potential to progress further.
I b l e o r e t u r n e d f r o m a n absence of more t han t wo years to scoot round Wincanton and win with ease after being left clear at the last on his chasing debut in January.
He was even more emphatic as a winning favourite at Huntingdon a month later, before having to settle for second at the same track under a big weight over half- a- mile further. The surprise winner did nothing for the form on his return this month, but the likelihood is that Ibleo did not run up to his best - with weight, distance and a third race in relative quick succession all potential mitigating factors.
He t herefore resumes on what could be an advantageous rating - and although up against some useful rivals, including Capeland who was an unlucky loser in an eventful renewal of this Listed race last season, he is among the ones receiving the weight this time.
A drop back to close to the minimum trip looks the right move, albeit at a stiffer track, and Ibleo may well still be on an upward curve.
Paul Nicholls has decided to send Cyrname to Wetherby rather than trying to defy the handicapper in the Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot. Cyrname therefore faces nine rivals in the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase - and has 13lb and upwards in hand on all of them.
Nicholls' concern is that his Ascot specialist may be below his best returning to a lefthanded course for the first time since April 2018.
It remains to be seen if that is the case - but even if it is, or if stamina is also an issue, there is a sufficient leeway in Cyrname's superiority to suggest he will still prevail.
It is easy to see Vinndication getting close to him - in a race with plenty of depth, including its last two winners in attendance, but Cyrname should see them off.