Stay Patient, go for Cyrname
ASCOT 1:35
TOP VILLE BEN has looked highly promising in two starts over fences at Hexham and Wetherby where his fencing technique has been exemplary in the main. The larger obstacles look to have made a man of him as he is settling better in his races now and arguably doesn’t need to blaze a trail any more to produce his best. SELECTION: Top Ville Ben DANGER: Mister Malarky
ASCOT 2:10
REMARKABLY, this is a first handicap over fences for BLACK CORTON (nb) and he makes some appeal returning to a venue where he was highly impressive 12 months ago.
Events haven’t panned out for the selection this term, but he has twice run well in defeat, including last time over an inadequate trip behind Top Notch at Kempton. SELECTION: Black Corton DANGER: Reikers Island
ASCOT 2:45
CLAN DES OBEAUX was arguably value for more than the one-and-a-half length winning margin in the King George VI Chase as he pulled himself up a little when hitting the front.
This looks the perfect stepping stone prior to launching a concerted Gold Cup bid next month. Terrefort returned to form at Cheltenham and looks the chief threat. SELECTION: Clan Des Obeaux DANGER: Terrefort
ASCOT 3:20
GETAWAY TRUMP and Al Dancer look two smart novices in the making and they may have a little too much class for their rivals.
It is difficult to separate the duo as they have trod similar paths this season, but marginal preference is for the former who has enjoyed a good campaign despite the suspicion a sizeable field and stronger gallop would produce further improvement.
Al Dancer boasts plenty of pace and could prove a formidable adversary. SELECTION: Getaway Trump DANGER: Al Dancer
ASCOT 3:55
FANS of Waiting Patiently have been forced to do just that with the talented eight-year-old making just one appearance this season.
It is safe to say the Northern raider didn’t enjoy much luck when brought down in the King George VI Chase and could bounce back today, however CYRNAME impressed over course and distance last month when finding a great rhythm at his fences and if he can recapture that level he may be tough to reel in. SELECTION: Cyrname DANGER: Waiting Patiently
WINCANTON 1:45
A DROP in trip may work the oracle for MAGIC SAINT who hasn’t appeared to get home a couple of times over further distancesat Haydock and Ascot for new connections.
The handicapper has offered the French recruit a little respite for those defeats, in decent handicaps, and today’s test should be more suitable. SELECTION: Magic Saint DANGER: Gino Trail
WINCANTON 3:00
SCEAU ROYAL uses this event as a stepping stone for the Champion Chase, but that doesn’t mean he should be ignored on his return to hurdles. A disappointment in the Tingle Creek behind Altior, the selection will find today’s ground more suitable. Was third to stablemate Yanworth in this contest two years ago and may go two better today. SELECTION: Sceau Royal DANGER: Vision Des Flos
HAYDOCK 1:55
SHADES OF MIDNIGHT has plenty to find with Stayers’ Hurdle-sixth Yanworth and Kilcooley on official ratings, but he boasts a fitness edge and perhaps more importantly has plenty of track experience. He was unfortunate to be collared near the line by Paisley Park here and his conqueror dominates the Stayers’ Hurdle market. SELECTION: Shades Of Midnight DANGER: Yanworth
HAYDOCK 3:35
LAST year’s winner YALA ENKI has had this race as a target for a while and a seven-week break should ensure he is fresh and well as he looks to repeat last year’s heroics.
First-time blinkers should assist Red Infantry who is a threat, while Welsh National runner-up Ramses De Teillee and 2017 winner Vieux Lion Rouge give David Pipe a strong hand. SELECTION: Yala Enki DANGER: Red Infantry
GOWRAN 2:30
THE absence of Gold Cup favourite Presenting Percy has robbed the race of stature and glamour, but it presents a good opportunity for
MONALEE to put his career back on track with a win.
The Ryanair remains a feasible target for the eight-year-old who may see his biggest threat stem from Killultagh Vic. SELECTION: Monalee DANGER: Killultagh Vic