Ascot hosts a card full of competitive of action from start to finish on Saturday. Here are GG in-house tipster, Joe Napier’s best bets to make it a winning start to the weekend.
12.40 Ascot – Thames Materials Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
In every start so far under rules, JUST LUCKY SIVOLA has been doing his best work at the finish, so this step up in trip for his handicap debut could be right up his street.
Paul NIcholls’ five-year-old won on his bumper debut before meeting smart opponents on his second start in that sphere. However, having gone down narrowly on his hurdles bow at Plumpton after pulling 45 lengths clear of the third, he denied a promising type at Hereford on the line over 2m3½f last time out.
A mark of 113 currently overrates his achievements slightly, but there is clear potential there for him to improve. Declaring him at this meeting ensures Harry Cobden will be aboard where he has been absent during the week, which is another benefit to the selection’s chances.
1.15 Ascot – Howden Handicap Chase
Scarface and Galop De Chasse were second and third behind a ready winner at Newbury last time out, but KOTMASK has been bumping into the rapidly improving Martator so far this season, and might finally have a clearer run at victory in the absence of that rival.
The six-year-old has been third and second at this track so far this season, but is only up 1lb having beaten all bar three of his 16 rivals in those two races. As mentioned, they have both been won by a hugely progressive horse, so Kotmask’s finishing positions can be upgraded in the absence of a rise by the handicapper.
The Moore yard hinted earlier this season that the selection may improve going back up to 2m4f, so this trip may even suit him better. He is very likely to go close given this opportunity.
3.35 Ascot – Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle
This looks a strong conclusion to the card. The Greatwood second and third, Be Aware and Dysart Enos, warrant plenty of respect, but the handicapper has not missed those efforts, especially in the case of the former, who is now on a run of four straight seconds and has gone up 13lb for his troubles.
The likes of Kabral Du Mathan, Go Dante and Secret Squirrel may all rate significantly better yet too, but the highest class form belongs to FAVOUR AND FORTUNE. His mark of 141 may not appear as lenient as for some of his rivals, but his win in the Scottish Champion Hurdle against 14 rivals appears undervalued even though he has only gone up 3lb for it.
They finished under a blanket in that race, but he was also second in a Grade 1 novice event at Aintree last season. Though his sixth in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle has taken a number of knocks, it is still better form than most of these could have touched last season, and he is as open to progression as any in this field.
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