Declan Rix nominated four horses that will remain onside at Ascot on Saturday – live on Sky Sports Racing – included well in the Ascot Hurdle.
FORTESCUE
2.05 – Logistic Grade 1 Berkshire National Handicap Chase (Grade 2) (5yo+) – 3m5f94y
The inaugural running of the 1st Class Logistics Berkshire National Handicap Chase has attracted a field of 11 keep chasers, many people with the best day still ahead, but it is the oldest horse in the line-up, FORTESCUEthat interests me the most at the end of the seasonal debut Highly-satisfied 27 days ago.
Now, I’ll be the first to stick with the 10-year-old who is rarely confident in the way he travels in races, often looking lazy and lethargic, but it looks like he’s come back well this season, based on his second. very in-form Copperhead at Aintree.
When the final margin of defeat is said to have been beaten 14 lengths, Fortescue definitely shaped a lot more than the beaten distance, clearly tying up in the run to 2out. But before that, the convict Henry Daly traveled a bit sweeter than he could do, in the first circuit especially, and jumped well, although he moved to the left at times.
Son Shirocco hopefully can take a good step forward in terms of fitness for that effort, when there is a step up in the trip is another plus, and any rain should be uncomfortable. Fortescue’s last visit to Ascot in February 2022 saw him win a registered chase of 142 (less Hugh Nugent’s 5lb claim) so hopefully the Berkshire track will produce his best, racing 133 (less Hugh Nugent’s 3lb claim).
I just hope that he will be able to build up to the race early, I hope to improve his prospects and not sulking. Fingers crossed!
Fortescue and Hugh Nugent previously landed the Swinley Handicap Chase at Ascot
THUNDER ROCK
2.45 – Howden Ascot Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered as Ascot Hurdle) (4yo+) – 2m3f58y
There are only six runners in the Ascot Hurdle this year and it is a shame Lossiemouth is not considered for the race, if indeed it does not take the State Man in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown (2.10).
The negative is positive for this race, however, in terms of creating a competitive contest, despite the small field; the penalty structure of the race means that all Blueking d’Oroux, Salver and the Golden Ace carries extra weight.
Blueking d’Oroux top of the weight in an attempt to win back-to-back Ascot Hurdles, but the year came here without a prep run; as a steady type of horse, will add to the outing? In the back pulled muscle setback last month, here Gold Ace also vulnerable in the first run of his campaign?
THUNDER ROCK also come here without prep-roto, but at least do not have to do the punishment; has shown he can run fresh in the past and is worth more than the pair. In terms of raw ability, he is also the best horse in the field as judged by his 156-chase rating.
Sure, he’s back in the hurdles here, but he strikes me as the type of horse that will have a little trouble, as fences sometimes prove to be too difficult for him, especially in the bigger field races.
Let’s hope Ascot gets all the rain forecast (6-8mm), just to pay more attention to stamina for horses that have won over ~3m before.
MARTYR
3.20 – Lay & Wheeler Hurst Park Handicap Chase (Class 2) (4yo+) – 2m167y
The penultimate race on Saturday’s card is a competitive Grade 2 handicap chase with nine runners, but hopefully MARTYR can continue what is good for the Venetia Williams team and win again at Ascot.
The forward son Martaline two for two over fences on the track since joining the Williams team from France, including a smooth victory here 21 days ago, despite being badly squeezed out at the first fence.
This may have been a blessing in disguise as they were early, but it still didn’t stop them from half-carting Charlie Deutsch to a more prominent position mid-race, the pair making the perfect move to track the pace. before Swinley Bottom.
While the recommended run jump still needs more work, the engine is clearly intact and with Ned Fox claim 5lb, Martator means the race from just 1lb mark more behind the good winner.
15lb more physical weight makes this more difficult in terms of jumping, but this field has some horses in the same boat, except Sans Bruitwhich is a good accurate leaper and one that I will respect.
BEST LIFE
3.50 – Copybet Beginner Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) (4yo+) – 3m97y
Does Ascot get all the rain forecast – more people are concerned – BEST LIFE still looks like a well-handicapped horse off 104 for Mel Rowley’s team.
There, however, will certainly be the fastest ground he has raced in his young career, and it will not be the biggest surprise to see him taken from the beginning, or at some stage.
Maybe he can progress, who knows, but he ran well in soft conditions last season, finishing the campaign with a career best at Haydock behind One Big Bang, who is currently rated 124. It’s fair to say Best Life has little chance to try. to admit that the horse pound on the day, and the race there seems easier.
That is certainly in theory because while the opposition can be easily defeated, the situation can see them struggle, if they are not able to adapt. It’s an interesting connection to choose to come to such a big track.
If the rain comes, it’s one for your shortlist.
