DIEGO’S ON TARGET
Nicholls’ veteran to hit the back of the net at Ascot
DIEGO DU CHARMIL (4.30) can make up for lost time in a fascinating veterans’ handicap chase at Ascot.
Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden are dominating the current Jumps season and the pair have another fascinating contender stepping down into this sphere.
Diego Du Charmil has been off the track for almost two years having won as a youngster at the Cheltenham Festival.
Now aged 12, the horse owes Nicholls nothing so the fact the Ditcheat master has kept him in training is interesting.
With owner Johnny De La Hey’s connections to Ascot, this entry against the old stagers catches the eye under Cobden.
Sean Bowen is Cobden’s main rival for the jockeys’ title and has picked up a cracking spare mount on HAMSIYANN (2.45).
A useful Flat performer, he produced an improved effort over hurdles when second at Ludlow in a tongue tie.
Trainer Tony Martin doesn’t send many over but when he does it is worth a look with a mark which reads favourably against the Flat form.
ZANNDABAD (1.35) goes for the same connections in the novices’ hurdle and also has to be seriously respected.
FRERE D’ARMES (3.20) was pulled-up in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham but this is much easier and the fact Dan Skelton is firing him back out so quickly has to be read as a positive.
TIMELESS CHARM (1.55) is primed for a strong start to the new Flat campaign at Doncaster.
George Boughey’s filly looks one to keep an eye on after a perfect opening to her career when winning as a novice at the end of last year at Kempton.
Timeless Charm didn’t quite reach the same levels when second after being turned out quickly at Wolverhampton just over a fortnight later.
However, she should resume her upward curve switched to Turf so the three-year-old can make a winning handicap bow.
GHAIHABAN (2.30) is yet another horse who made a solid impression as a novice with a couple of second- placed finishes to her CV.
Andrew Balding’s youngster is on the rise and can get the season off to a strong beginning with a victory in the hands of David Probert.
There’s also action on offer at Limerick with LETS GO CHAMP (4.05) looking poised for his handicap chase debut.
Henry De Bromhead is a true master at getting them to blossom over fences and his stable are in bouncing form.
Rachael Blackmore takes the mount on the nine-year-old and a serious performance is on the cards for the Waterford handler.
There’s also Flat in Ireland at Naas with KNIGHT TO KING (2.35) looking a lively contender for the Listed Devoy Stakes.
The genius that is Dermot Weld has an exciting one on his hands with a cracking fourth on his final start last season in the Group 3 Royal Whip at the Curragh top form.