Hoping to follow on from the 2 winners last week, tips this week come courtesy of decent cards at Ascot and Haydock. Without further a do, here we go...
The feature race at Ascot today is the Sodexo Clarence House Chase, a Group 1. Favourite Sire De Grugy is the pick of form and ratings, but I'm yet to be convinced that he is of the very top class. In the Tingle Creek, he beat many of the horses who re-oppose today, namely Somersby, Oiseau de Nuit and Kauto Stone. He beat Oiseau de Nuit at Kempton last time out, albeit he wasn't that convincing in the process. Apart from Somersby and Sprinter Sacre, Sire De Grugy has yet to beat anything of high calibre over fences and Sprinter Sacre can be excluded from that for obvious reasons. I would deem Sire De Grugy to be vulnerable against an unknown entity to him.
Somersby loves it round Ascot but may be caught out by the ground. A horse that would seem to have conditions in his favour is HIDDEN CYCLONE. He will go on the heavy ground and his form over a little further than todays distance should put him in good stead. A solid run behind Benefficient in an Irish Group 1 last time means that he is well up to scratch at this level and he should run a mighty race. His compatriot Days Hotel may actually be the biggest danger to the selection, who will really relish the ground. The double figure price about him could be too big.
Other Ascot races
1:50- These mares hurdle races are always caget affairs and most have chances, but I've opted for CAROLES SPIRIT, who is 3 from 3 over hurdles, including a victory at Newbury in which she beat a former Henderson winner and a future Nicholls winner. She could have a touch of class. Highland Retreat should run well too, Mickie too short a price in my opinion in what is a close race.
2:25- A race where many of the runners have question marks next to their names. CITIZENSHIP won last time out and should like the ground, so looks solid. Irish Saint could go well if he re-captures his juvenile form, Minella Forfitness runs after a long lay off, The Skyfarmer's best form is on better ground, Get Back In Line could be anything and Bourne may simply not be good enough.
3:00- A two horse race in my opinion, between RENARD and Theatrical Star. The former has won his last two races at Chepstow and providing he appreciates the step up in trip, should go close. The latter won nicely last time out, but in a weaker race than today's, which is why I've gone for Renard.
Haydock races
2:05- A race which has been domianted by David Pipe's French import, Un Temps Pour Tout. I find it hard to fathom how a horse on his British debut, in a competitive little race can be close to evens. Barry Geraghty talked about how well STAND TO REASON handles softer ground in his weekly blog. If he runs up to the standard he's shown so far, he has a massive chance of winning.
3:15- With a trainer in red hot form, the application of blinkers working a treat and course and ground in his favour, NIGHT ALLIANCE has a huge chance, providing he can overcome a hike in the weights. VINO GRIEGO is another selection for this race, beating two decent types at Sandown last time out and that ground that should suit, he could run nicely at big odds.
Best of luck to everybody today
Happy Punting!
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