VALUE DEFI’S BID
DEFI DU SEUIL appeals as the value bet to return to form and make it back-toback victories in today’s Matchbook Clarence House Chase at Ascot.
Since last year’s flawless victory DEFI DU SEUIL (3.35, nb, ITV4) has twice disappointed and connections can offer no excuses.
On his recent run, it is worth pointing out that the eight-year-old’s stable had not been hitting the target.
Also, after a rewarding spell as a smart juvenile hurdler, he bombed out the following season.
Still only eight, he does not deserve to be written off just yet and is the value at 9-2.
He clearly needs to find his mojo with Politologue, whom he finished fourth behind in last year’s Champion Chase.
Waiting Patiently also cannot be ignored after his excellent second behind Frodon in last month’s King George Chase at Kempton.
ROKSANA (1.15, ITV4) can confirm her status as one of the best staying mares by taking the Matchbook Mares’ Hurdle.
The handicapper has given CRAIGNEICHE (1.50, ITV4) a cracking chance on his return. Last year’s impressive Doncaster winner gets weight from all and looks open to improvement.
The weights also favour GOOD BOY BOBBY (3.00, ITV4). He is now 2lb lower than his latest winning mark and was no slouch as a novice last term, while smart Flat performer TRITONIC (12.40, treble) can make a winning hurdling debut.
At Haydock, all eyes will be on dual Champion Hurdle winner BUVEUR D’AIR (3.15, ITV), who has a simple task on his return from injury.
Earlier on, LLANDINABO LAD (1.30, ITV4) has the class to defy top weight in the Sky Bet Rossington Main Hurdle.
Cheltenham Gold Cup hope ROYALE PAGAILLE (2.40, nap, ITV4) looks a cut above his rivals in the Peter Marsh Chase.
At Taunton IF THE CAP FITS (2.10, ITV4) can foil Yala Enki’s attempt to make it back-to-back victories in the Portman Cup.