It’s the second week of the very best racing before Christmas, as we have out first domestic Group One, the Betfair Chase. There’s also competitive action at Ascot too plus a big handicap to decipher at Haydock as well. Let’s get stuck in.
Haydock
Never Too Far Away
2:30 – Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle (Premier H’cap) – Doyen Quest @ 3/1 (William Hill)
Fresh from his Cheltenham success a week ago, the Skelton team have decided to put Doyen Quest in a slightly upgraded position. He may carry a five-pound penalty for his win, but is also five pounds well-in on the handicap which cancels that out. He’s been ultra-consistent since February and hasn’t seen third place or lower in six runs. He can once again improve and may be put away for a tilt at the Pertemps in March.
Making his reappearance is Kerryhill for Ruth Jefferson. Largely left out of the picture after winning the Grade Two River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster in February, winning by seven-and-a half lengths. He does have form in the book from that race, with The Newest One winning on seasonal reappearance in October. A definite talent over hurdles, he won’t mind the ground or the weight he’s been dealt in this contest. Well worth keeping an eye on at 11/1 (BetVictor, Betfred).
One horse I’m willing to give another try to is Push The Button for the in-form Twiston-Davies team. He wasn’t too disgraced in October at Cheltenham. And if you look at his breeding, his half-brother won twice over two-and-a-half and stepped up well to three miles. The same can be said for this second-season hurdler, and the step up in trip may be what he needs. 14/1 (William Hill).
Repeat Winners
3:05 – Betfair Chase (Grade One) – Royale Pagaille @ 4/1 (General)
This has the hallmarks of one of the best renewals of the Betfair Chase in years. But the trend with this race is repeat winners always have an advantage. And Royal Pagaille fits the bill. With rain expected on Saturday the ground will turn softer which will be to Royal Pagaille’s benefit. Second-season chasers are often found out at this level, and the Irish don’t have a good record in the race. The odds stack in his favour.
Ascot
Ready To Purr
2:05 – Berkshire National H’cap Chase – Kitty’s Light @ 5/1 (William Hill)
Not many horses can handle good ground over marathon trips, but this early season target comes into the favour of one. Kitty’s Light can perform to the back end of the jumps season. But since the ground is good, it plays into his advantage. He can try to turn back the years to 2023 when he pulled off a remarkable hattrick of Eider Chase, Scottish National and bet365 Gold Cup.
Golden Charm
2:45 – Howden Ascot Hurdle (Grade Two) – Golden Ace @ 2/1 (General)
With all the allowances given to Golden Ace, this may well be a penalty kick. She won over the median distance last time out at the April meeting at Cheltenham, coming off the back of an unexpected Festival win beating Brighterdaysahead. With the boys giving her weight, and a couple on penalties themselves, this should be easy enough for the mare.
