It’s only been the two weeks since a Four To Follow, however we return to action with a bang with the Grade One Clarence House Chase featuring a ding-dong battle between two heavyweight chasers. Plus a surprise entry in the Warfield. Then Haydock has some good premier action with the Peter Marsh Chase included.
Ascot
Back After A While
1:40 – Warfield Mares’ Hurdle (Grade Two) – Kargese @ 4/7 (BetVictor, Boylesports)
It’s surprising that Kargese reappears here, just a little over eight weeks until the Cheltenham Festival. She’s a two-time Grade One winner and placed behind both Majborough and Sir Gino in two other Grade One’s. Against the British Mares’, she should find this an incredibly easy task. Especially, making her appearance after a while off the track.
Once more I am sticking with Punchestown Festival winner Casa No Mento to record her best finish this season. She didn’t offer much over fences at Bangor and pulled up on reappearance in a Listed hurdle at Kempton. However, she seems to go better right-handed which suits today after picking up wins at Hereford and Punchestown earlier in her career. On song she’s the best of the Brits. 10/1 (General).
Trés Bon
3:32 – Clarence House Chase (Grade One) – Jonbon @ 8/13 (General)
It’s a two-horse race at the end of the day, but it’s a race we have dreamed of. The late Shishkin got the better of this Irish foe two years ago, but he ran game that day in defeat. In the Hilly Way, Energumene was much the best and the form has worked out with Banbridge (who unseated at the last that day) winning the King George subsequently. Plus, unlike Jonbon, he does have that title of Champion Chaser, for which he did not earn by divine right.
However, Jonbon has looked a different beast this season. He made all and was always doing enough in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, before routing the field in the Tingle Creek Chase. Many will say that his opposition has never really been quality, but he has beaten Grade One chasers throughout his career. He has every right to collar Energumene, who is two years his elder. Nicky Henderson always does well with top level two-mile chasers. Jonbon can carry on the tradition.
Haydock
Heroic Surprise?
1:55 – Rossington Main Novice’s Hurdle (Grade Two) – Dedicated Hero @ 4/1 (General)
Favourite Royal Infantry has the course and ground knowhow and demolished the field back in November and has the addition of an in-from jockey. Yet I find myself drawn to Sandy Thomson’s talented novice. Dedicated Hero has been seen best over two miles and won his last Kelso maiden hurdle by 7.5L on soft ground. He’s continually progressive, and it what looks like a weak renewal of the race there could be some advantage to him.
Royale Return
2:30 – Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Royale Pagaille @ 2/1 (General)
Four-time course and distance winner Royale Pagaille has won this race twice carrying top weight twice on particularly heavy ground. He still showed he’s got plenty still left in the tank and has the beating of the young whippersnappers who concede weight from him all round. It will not make a difference to someone who is undoubtedly a Haydock legend.
Who could potentially rival him? Well, Iwilldoit has been in some good form of late particularly producing an eye-catching run in the Welsh National coming from the clouds, literally, to place third. Undoubtedly a staying chaser who may have spring targets in mind and this may potentially prove to be a difficult task nonetheless. 9/1 (General).
The Very Best of Luck!
