Ballymoy the boy to cheer up Nigel

There’S no doubting Altior is the star turn on today’s Ascot card, but his odds to win the Matchbook Clarence house Chase will be thinner than my hair, so backing

(Ascot, 2.25) earlier on the card may prove a more prudent policy. Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies (below) has looked after the former Irish point-to-pointer since he joined his yard in May 2014 and the patience looks well founded judged on his performance last time when tackling a new trip at haydock. Ballymoy saw out the extended two-and-aquarter miles that day to suggest this afternoon’s distance should pose no issues. he is saddled with top weight but more of a concern is getting him to settle in the early stages. The prospect of a bigger field and a more genuine pace may see the six-year-old in an even better light raised in class. It’s not a one-horse race though, with Wetherby scorer Thosedaysaregone, trained by the formidable Charles Byrnes, a major threat after landing a substantial gamble last weekend. however, the handicapper has since wreaked some revenge, and a second trip in seven days across the Irish Sea may not be ideal. Given the fine record of Dan Skelton in races of this nature, New Quay must be respected and his run at Newbury in November, just five days after bolting up over today’s course and distance, can be forgiven and he may give Ballymoy most to

think about.