15:00 Ascot – Gladiateur Allen (each-way)

Handicap Hurdles of this nature at Ascot are never easy to pick as they’re always well contested, with big fields and plenty of chances.

This specific race is no different, although I was taken by Gladiateur Allen’s victory at the Berkshire course last month.

He beat a couple of smart novices and has even more appeal with his rider's 5lb claim. He’ll be carrying 10-2, which makes plenty of difference in these testing conditions.

If he handles the hustle and bustle of a big-field handicap, he’s got great each-way claims.

15:35 Ascot – Cyrname  (win)

I’m not one for putting up odds-on shots, however, with the way the race has fallen apart, Cyrname has to be very hard to beat in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase.

Yes, he was disappointing at Kempton Park on Boxing Day and does have to bounce back from that, but he’s miles clear on official ratings and runs off level weights.

If he jumps around, he should win.

15:50 Haydock – Redford Road (each-way)

It’s fair to say that Redford Road has been slightly disappointing over fences this season, which is probably why his connections have decided to go back over hurdles.

He was a smart performer over the smaller obstacles last season, with the highlight being a win in a good Albert Bartlett trial at Cheltenham.

On that form alone he’s arguably the best horse in this race and should well be going close. It’s not the strongest race on paper and if he handles conditions, he should give his rider Jordan Nailor a great spin.

4 To Win

14:05 Haydock – Third Wind 

He’s a fast-improving young horse who is going the right way. He’ll love the conditions and Haydock’s long straight will play to his strengths.

14:25 Ascot – Jerrysback 

A smart horse who is still lightly raced. He was a good third on his comeback run this season and that will have put him spot on for this.

14:40 Haydock – Achille 

He was a good second in the Classic Chase at Warwick recently. He will love the conditions and looks fairly treated for a yard in great form.

15:58 Wincanton – Oneupmanship 

Yet to win this season, but he’s placed in decent contests on all three of his runs. Looks well treated on his second run in a handicap.  

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