Ascot
13:30
The Ascot Underwriting Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 3) 2m 3f
The Moore team won this last year and they certainly have the most interesting runner in the shape of GOSHEN (1) who is a highly-talented albeit quirky performer. Arrives following a narrow defeat on the flat at Goodwood and it will be interesting to see how he takes to fences but if anywhere near replicating the peak of his hurdling efforts could be thereabouts. COBBLERS DREAM (4) is a smart hurdler in his own right and may go well on chasing debut. GOWEL ROAD (3) will need to jump better than he did at Perth though might have benefited from the experience. SAMARRIVE (2) rounds out the quartet.
14:05
The Bateaux London Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) 1m 7 1/2 f
ANYHARMINASKING (2) looked like a smart prospect when readily landing handicap hurdles at Catterick and Sedgefield last season. Jonjo O’Neil took this last year with a nice horse and although his runner has to defy a further weight rise on reappearance he can be considered maintaining a progressive profile. BROOMFIELD BURG (4) travelled strongly before eventually finishing third in a competitive handicap at Chepstow. Could be in the mix with a repeat of that effort. In the same ownership CALL OF THE WILD (5) looks like a fascinating runner having shown plenty in novice hurdles. HACKER DES PLACES (1) and HIGHWAY ONE O TWO (3) both warrant thought.
14:40
The Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) 2m 1f
There’s little reason to believe BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2) won’t be fit enough to do himself justice on reappearance based on comments from trainer Sam Thomas recently. The nine-year-old showed some good fences form last season including when runner-up to a decent performer at Doncaster and could be up to making a winning seasonal debut. NASSALAM (3) is three from five with fences. May go well as a second-season chaser. Last year’s winner AMOOLA GOLD (5) enjoys this venue and cannot be ruled out. JOKE DANCER (10) and DIEGO DU CHARMIL (4) both hold form to feature.
15:15
The Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) 3m
With a record of two from three tackling the trip MAJOR DUNDEE (11) looks to hold solid claims. This unexposed stayer was pitched into the Scottish Grand National at Ayr and acquitted himself extremely well when third in April. There could be plenty more to come from him this fences season and makes for the most appeal in what looks like a nice starting point. KITTY’S LIGHT (4) finished second attempting the aforementioned Scottish National and although disappointing at Chepstow recently can take a sizeable step forward from that outing. TEA CLIPPER (3) was denied a neck in that Chepstow race and maintains chances alongside OUR POWER (9) who cannot be ruled out.
