Ascot & Haydock Preview

3:10 Ascot The Victor Chandler Chase Grade 1 Cl1 2m1f
A high quality race that is sure to have an impact on the Champion Chase betting at the Festival.

Finian’s Rainbow heads the betting at 9/4 (BetVictor) but the question marks over his jumping still won’t go away. His class got him through at Kempton after making a bad blunder but he cannot afford mistakes against better opposition.

Al Ferof is a novice chaser going in the right direction. Unbeaten in two starts, he battled hard to see off the useful For Non Stop on his last outing. This is a tough race, against some hardened pros and the 3/1 (BetVictor) looks short enough.

In the betting Gauvain has been backed into 6/1 (BetVictor). He beat Somersby (shorter in the betting) on his last start and has run some of his best races with cut in the ground. From a betting persepective he is also becoming a bit more consistent with two wins from his last three starts.

Selection: Gauvain at 6/1 with BetVictor

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3:30 Haydock Peter Marsh Chase (Limited Handicap) Grade 2 Cl1 3m
With heavy ground forecast at Haydock this three-mile chase could turn into a real slog. Pearlysteps looks an uneasy favourite at 6/1 (BetVictor) with his only chasing win coming in a minor class 4 handicap.

Former National winner Mon Mome (8/1 with BetVictor) proved he wasn’t a horse to write off with an excellent second at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. He is not short of stamina, but carrying a big weight in heavy ground are not ideal conditions.

According To Pete (7/1 with Boylesports) holds excellent claims after winning a valuable handicap at Wetherby but the interesting horse in the race is Mount Oscar. For a 13-year-old he has relatively few miles on the clock and some smart form to his name. He finished second behind Quinz in the Racing Post Chase and although this is his first run in 329 days he has won after a long break before.

Selection: Mount Oscar at 22/1 with Sportingbet

3:45 Ascot Handicap Chase Cl2 2m5f110y
A regulation chase handicap where Zaynar (9/2 with BetVictor) is a fascinating contender. This former smart hurdler jumped with great exuberance when winning at Ascot in mid-December, his third victory at the track from four starts. It is therefore no surprise we see him return at the first opportunity. 

Tatenen (12/1 with BetVictor) probably found the going too quick when seventh at Cheltenham on his last start. Expending too much energy to stay close to the early gallop he emptied going up the hill. A return to Ascot and softer conditions should see him go close to winning the race for a second year in a row.

Selection: Tatenen at 12/1 with BetVictor