Ascot
Undoubtedly the most exciting race of the weekend is the Long Walk Hurdle (14:25), which features a big rematch between Thyme Hill 2/1 and Paisley Park, who lost out at Newbury last time out.
I hope Emma Lavelle’s horse, priced at 2/1, will reverse the form as I’m a big fan of his, but it won’t be an easy task.
The mare Roksana 9/2 gets a 7lb weight allowance.
There is also Main Fact 7/1, who just keeps on winning, and a whole host of other horses. It’ll be a great race to watch.
4 To Win
14:05 Haydock
It was really hard not to be impressed with War Lord 3/1 at Haydock last time. He’s gone up 7lbs, but he’s only a five-year-old and will no doubt still be improving.
He travelled well on the last day and I think he’ll be tough to beat again.
Obviously the form of the Tizzard’s string is worrying, but this lad won, and a few others from the yard are running well, so I’m inclined to look past that for this improving young horse.
14:40 Haydock
The Tommy Whittle Chase is going to be a real test of stamina and I think Dr Richard Newland – who is one of the shrewdest operators – has a great chance with Enqarde 15/2.
He’s a really fascinating horse who comes from France and, while he’s only run in two hurdles in the UK, he’s now in a staying handicap chase and runs off the same mark of 124.
It looks to be a really shrewd move and with Cillian Leonard's 7lbs claim he carries no weight at all, which could make the difference.
15:00 Ascot
Quarenta 13/2 was a gritty winner at Ascot over course and distance last time out, in a race that required a power-packed ride by Jonjo O’Neill Jr.
He’ll love the ground and we know the track and trip suit, so he’s got everything going for him.
He ran well in all of his starts last season and was unlucky not to win, but that’s given him a chance this season with his mark being lower than what it would have been had he won last time.
15:35 Ascot
I was so taken by Buzz 6/1 at Ascot last time. He absolutely sluiced up doing handstands!
He’s got top weight to carry in this competitive handicap, but he looked very good last time. He’s still young and will still be improving, and good horses can carry big weights in handicaps.
The form of his third at Ffos Las has always worked out very well, too. With the Henderson team in good nick, I’m looking forward to seeing him run.
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