Cyrname can return to form in Ascot run
Cyrname is expected to get his season back on track by regaining his crown in the Betfair Ascot Chase.
The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old became the highest-rated horse in Britain off the back of a 17-length demolition of Waiting Patiently in this Grade One contest two seasons ago.
He enhanced his reputation when coming out on top in a much-anticipated clash with Al ti or over the course and distance at the start of the last campaign, but has not quite rediscovered that level of form subsequently.
Since that effort, the Nickname gelding has disappointed twice in the King George VI Chase at Kemp ton and suffered a heavy fall when already beaten in this race last year, with the only bright spot his comeback win in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in October.
Cyrname certainly has questions to answer, but if the anticipated return to more positive tactics and the application of cheek-pieces have the desired effect, he should prove hard to peg back on the track where he has produced the two best performances of his career to date.
With ante-post principals The Big Breakaway and If The Cap Fits not declared, the Grade Two Bateaux London Reynoldstown Novices' Chase has a far more open look to it than it did earlier in the week.
None of the six runners can be ruled out with confidence, and narrow preference is for Gary Moore's improver Full Back.
The six-year-old has already exceeded his achievements in just three starts over fences progressing from a promising third on his chasing debut at Fontwell to register a couple of emphatic wins at Plumpton and Exeter.
While a change of discipline has brought out significant improvement, just as key has been a step up to three miles because he is beginning to look like a dour stayer.
The forecast testing conditions this weekend will play to Full Back's strengths - and in the absence of any star novices, this looks an excellent opportunity for him to bag a major prize.
The Philip Hobbs-trained Jerrys back is of interest in the 'My Oddsboost' On Betfair Swinley Chase.
The nine-year-old has been placed on each of his three previous visits to Ascot, most recently finishing third in a strong contest here last month on what was his first competitive appearance in more than a year.
He can only strip fitter for that run - and running off the same mark of 142, a bold bid looks assured.
Main Fact can rediscover the winning trail in the William Hill Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock.
David Pipe's bargain buy had nine successive victories in 2020, the most recent in the Stayers' Handicap Hurdle.