Ascot Chase Preview and Free Racing Tips

Preview of the Ascot Chase and Free Racing Tips – The Grade 1 Ascot Chase is the highlight of this weekend’s racing with eight runners contesting what, on paper, looks to be a slightly below par renewal.  The weather beaten ground will put an emphasis on stamina whilst the fence positioning at Ascot always demands accurate jumping.  Here is my assessment of the field and my tip for the win.

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Last year racing fans were treated to a fantastic clash between Cue Card and Captain Chris, with the latter loosing any chance of victory after making a mistake at the second last.  Cue Card followed up the victory by winning the Ryanair and has so far gone on to scale new heights this season by winning the Betfair Chase and finishing second in the King George.  CAPTAIN CHRIS (1/1 Coral) may not have lived up to the escapades of his aforementioned conqueror, yet he has shown is more than capable of contesting Grade 1 races.  His most recent start this season saw him claim a facile victory at his beloved Kempton Park where he won the WilliamHill.com Chase by 23 lengths.  He undoubtedly loves to run right-handed with all his best form coming at courses such as Kempton and Ascot.  Versatile ground wise, the barrage of rain that has hit the country won’t inconvenience him in the slightest with his jumping prowess impressive in all conditions.  Connections have always had this target in mind and used his first two outings as mere stepping stones on to claiming victory in this Grade 1.  A hugely likeable 10 year-old who continues to look game and willing he is justifiably the favourite and should be sent off a well backed favourite come 3.50pm.

Prior to Cue Card’s victory last year, this contest had been won two years in succession by the Nicky Henderson trained Riverside Theatre (4/1 Stan James).  This former Ryanair winner was unable to defend his crown last year due to injury and will be looking to produce a good solid display and reclaim this race.  Two starts so far the season have seen this horse finish ahead of Captain Chris, when winning the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon, and then contesting the King George.  Unfortunately he fell at the fifth fence on Boxing Day after looking uncomfortable with the sever pace set by the leaders.  2m5f looks to be this horse’s ideal trip and he should be suited by the smaller field and reduced pace on offer here.  Although his jumping can be quite patchy at times and he is often one of the first off the bridle, he rallies well and always finds for pressure.  With his fantastic record at this track (three wins from three starts) he should give the favourite plenty to think about.

Next in the market we have the Paul Nicholls representative – Rolling Aces (7/1 BetVictor).  This horse began his season by continuing the fantastic record his trainer has in the Powers Irish Whisky Chase by picking up the win.  He was then stepped up in trip and run on good ground at Sandown, all of which didn't suit and he finished seven lengths behind a moderate horse in Vino Griego.  Back over this intermediate trip, on ground much more to his liking he should perform well if allowed to dictate matters from the front.  Despite winning a Grade 2 in Ireland this season, he is yet to encounter top quality opposition.  He performed well in handicaps and novice events last year but may lack the necessary experience to win from the front here.  On official ratings he has 17lbs to find with the market leader and, although I consider Noel Fehily to be one of the very best jockeys in the country, even his skills should fail to make up the difference.

Sue Smith saddles Cloudy Too (10/1 BetVictor), a dual race winner this season who was very impressive last time out at Wetherby over 3m1f on soft ground.  The conditions were extremely testing that day, and with his main rivals struggling to handle them, this horse was able to come home in relative comfort.  Certainly a progressive animal, he looks to be well suited by the conditions at Ascot but may well lack the class that some of his rivals possess.

Two horses returning from lengthy breaks are Hunt Ball (16/1 bet365) and Medermit (12/1 Stan James).  The former is now under the care of Nicky Henderson and is a former Cheltenham Festival winner.  The latter was a good quality chaser who regularly contested races of the highest grade and finished second in this event in 2012.  Both have pieces of form that would give them a chance, however both are best watched for another day (especially Medermit who, after a 674 day absence could well been seen to best effect after this run).

The field is completed by Kauto Stone (20/1 BetVictor), a horse who has failed to make an impression on the 2m chasing division so far this year, and by Sunny Ledgend (100/1 bet365).  Both horses should struggle in this sphere but it is at least interesting to see Paul Nicholls stepping Kauto Stone up in trip.

As mentioned at the head of the article, this year’s renewal lacks the sparkle of a true superstar and with this lack of strength in the field, CAPTAIN CHRIS should have the perfect opportunity to claim this Grade 1 prize.  The likeliest danger should come from Riverside Theatre who, whilst impressive at Ascot, has performed below par of late and isn’t the easiest to get a handle on.  He has managed to finish ahead of Captain Chris this season, but that was by less than a length in receipt of 10lbs.  Off level weights, Captain Chris looks to have plenty in hand in order to turn the Peterborough Chase form around.  Claims can be given to some of the other runners but in all honesty it would be a huge surprise not to see the Phillip Hobbs ten year-old continue his fine record at right-handed tracks.

Ascot Chase Free Betting Tip – 

CAPTAIN CHRIS (WIN) (1/1 Coral) 

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