Wodhooh (closest) has been tipped to win the Gr 2 Ladbrokes Ascot Hurdle (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)
1 2:25 PM SA Time – Restorations UK Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)
Off The Jury has yet to score over timber but it isn’t for the want of trying. The six-year-old was last seen finishing a narrow second in the EBF Final at Sandown in March and is respected ahead of his return, but the vote goes to PERCY SHELLEY. A useful horse on the level, he made a seamless transition to hurdling at Uttoxeter before walking over at Ludlow. James Owen’s gelding lost little in defeat when beaten a neck at Cheltenham next time and further improvement is plausible. Big Ticket is also noted.
Top Tip: Percy Shelley (2)
Watch out for: Off The Jury (5)
2 2:55 PM SA Time – Get Your Ladbrokes Free Ascot Bet Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
Plenty of recent winning form to call upon, including the hat-trick seeking Spit Spot, who arrives having notched up a brace of Perth successes. Things didn’t go to plan for Shantwopointfive over fences but she ought to be happier back hurdling, while Porter In The Park drops in class after finishing third at Wincanton. With Joe Tizzard’s yard firing on all cylinders, it could pay to side with BOBBI WITH AN I. She made a pleasing return over an extended 2m2f at Exeter and looks certain to benefit from a step up in trip.
Top Tip: Bobbi With An I (12)
Watch out for: Spit Spot (8)
3 3:30 PM SA Time – Ladbrokes 1965 Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)
Pic D’Orhy is looking for his hat-trick after taking this in 2023 and 2024, but he may have to settle for second if IL EST FRANCAIS is back to his best. Tom George now trains the seven-year-old, who looked a superstar as a novice when winning the Kauto Star at Kempton but hasn’t quite managed to live up to the hype. Reported to be back to his best, last year’s King George runner-up could put these to the sword, with Jango Baie the pick for third.
Top Tip: Il Est Francais (5)
Watch out for: Pic D’orhy (2)
4 4:05 PM SA Time – Windsor Horse Rangers Berkshire National Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
Nigel Twiston-Davies won this last year with Beauport and the yard’s representative this time is The Newest One, who was far from disgraced when seventh off 1lb higher at Cheltenham on his return to action. He should go well, but REGARDE could have his measure. One of only two previous distance winners in the field, he was beaten just over a length into third in that Cheltenham race and, with improvement expected, he has every chance. Largy Poet and My Silver Lining are others to consider.
Top Tip: Regarde (10)
Watch out for: The Newest One (11)
5 4:40 PM SA Time – Ladbrokes Ascot Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Ascot Hurdle) (GBB Race)
WODHOOH found only the top-class Lossiemouth too good in Grade 1 company at Aintree in April. She won the Martin Pipe in fine style at Cheltenham before that and Gordon Elliott’s mare will likely take all the beating on these terms. Kateira returned to action with a defeat of an admittedly below-par Golden Ace at Wetherby and steps up in trip with a shout, while three-time Grade 2 winner Nemean Lion showed good progress last season and makes more appeal than Potters Charm and Celtic Dino.
Top Tip: Wodhooh (9)
Watch out for: Kateira (8)
6 5:15 PM SA Time – Castello Banfi Hurst Park Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
TEDDY BLUE found plenty in the closing stages to triumph over C&D on his return to the fray. A 4lb rise may not be enough to anchor him and Harry Derham’s charge can confirm his superiority over Gabriel’s Getaway. The latter finished a determined second on that occasion and rates a threat once again, while JPR One faced a tough task when attempting to defend his Haldon Gold Cup crown and is preferred to last year’s winner Martator back at this level.
Top Tip: Teddy Blue (7)
Watch out for: Gabriel’s Getaway (8)
7 5:45 PM SA Time – Remix Dry Mortar Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
ABSOLUTELY DOYEN has won both starts since joining Paul Nicholls’ yard and might prove the one to side with on his handicap debut, with the longer trip not expected to be an issue. Creadan Grace opened her account with a hard-fought victory at Down Royal, although the Irish raider has a significant hike in the weights to contend with so Another Day Out may rate a bigger threat off a 4lb lower figure back over the smaller obstacles.
Top Tip: Absolutely Doyen (1)
Watch out for: Another Day Out (8)
