Ascot Chase picks and Stayers’ Hurdle preview of the weekend’s winners with Declan Rix, Kate Tracey and Sam Boswell | race news
Ascot Chase picks and Stayers’ Hurdle preview of the weekend’s winners with Declan Rix, Kate Tracey and Sam Boswell | race news
#Ascot #Chase #picks #Stayers #Hurdle #preview #weekends #winners #Declan #Rix #Kate #Tracey #Sam #Boswell #race #news Welcome to InNewCL, here is the new story we have for you today:
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There was much harmony among the weekend winners’ team as they made selections for Saturday’s Ascot Chase, ahead of a preview of the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
This weekend’s Grade One feature, the Betfair Ascot Chase, sees an intriguing clash between defending champion Fakir d’Oudairies, former Clarence House Chase star Shishkin and Paul Nicholls’ up-and-coming Pic D’Orhy.
It has been described as “D-Day” for Shishkin as he tries to recover from a disappointing performance at Tingle Creek and travels to two miles and five furlongs.
From The Races expert Declan Rix…
“In terms of prizes, the bet for me is Shishkin. I’m willing to give him another chance.
“I think he wants that step up in the trip. He was bred for it and races like he wants to too.
“I didn’t think his Tingle Creek run was that bad considering it was his first run of the season, over tripping too sharply and from the back dealing with a rare bone condition.”
Ascot Chase – Current Odds
Fakir d’Oudairies – 15/8
Shishkin – 9/4
Pic D’orhy – 11/4
Miller’s Bank – 1.10
First River – 22/1
Yes right – 66/1
Sam Boswell from BetVictor…
“Of all the coaches who can prove they have the ability to recover from a setback, Nicky Henderson has the ability.
“It’s going to be a competitive test and if they have any ambition to go on and win at the Cheltenham Festival it has to be 95 per cent set.
“I have a lot of respect for favorite Fakir d’Oudairies but I think Shishkin is the best horse of the day.”
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InNewCL Sports Racing goes behind the scenes at Nicky Henderson’s home as trainer prepares Shishkin for a step up at Ascot Chase on Saturday.
Presenter and expert Kate Tracey…
“I’m with Fakir d’Oudairies and I hope now that people will start showing his name the respect it deserves.
“If we’re looking forward to Ryanair this might be a way to do that, if you’re really keen on a horse for that then put them in now as they won’t be shortened until after this weekend.
“Fakir is the solid game for me. Pic D’Orhy takes the lead given our current line-up and it’s a huge step up for him.
“Shishkin just didn’t jump well enough at Tingle Creek, so there’s a huge question mark there.”
Ante-Post Angles: The Best Bets for the Stayer Hurdle
The image of the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival has shifted and changed throughout the season, with the bubble somewhat bursting at the top of early markets while the likes of Home By The Lee and Teahupoo have entered the frame.
Declan Rix…
“I’m going to side with Home By The Lee who did well in the race last year and I think he’s definitely an improved horse this season.
“The key could be Flooring Porter running to get the stamina out.
“Blazing Khal is probably the one to beat after a brilliant return in last week’s Boyne Hurdle but Home By The Lee will be fresher than most.”
Stayers’ Hurdle Current Odds
Flaming Khal – 2/1
Teahupoo – 11/4
Home by the Lee – 4/1
Marie’s skirt – 9/2
Shelf support – 5/1
Gold Tweet – 7/1
Sam Bowel…
“Teahupoo is unprotected on the three mile tour and I think he’s a really exciting horse with a lot more to come.
“The floor is the only thing. I really hope we get a couple of weeks of rain before the festival because the softer the better.”
Image: Home By The Lee and JJ Slevin (red) win the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle
Kate Tracey…
“I don’t understand what else Home By The Lee has to do to push for favoritism.
“I think he’s in the best form this season, having beaten the two-time race winner twice already and proving his reappearance in the Christmas hurdle was no fluke.
“He’s a bit of a headbanger, but which of these horses is straightforward? He stays all day.”
