12.20pm Ascot

Excello

He had four seconds and a win from just five runs in France, and he is rated 133, so he was clearly very useful over there, with the victory coming in a chase. In fact, his last three runs there came over fences, but the guv’nor has decided to take advantage of his novice status over hurdles and we would expect him to go very well here, especially with the race cutting up so much at the overnight stage. However, the drying ground may not be ideal for him.

1.30pm Ascot

Shishkin

I know the ground at Haydock has dried up, but we thought this test over 2m5f would suit him better first time up. We know what an exceptional horse he was before the Champion Chase run in 2022, so it was brilliant to see him return to that level of form in the latter part of last season, signing off with a win in the Aintree Bowl after his Ryanair second. We run him in cheekpieces for the first time here, as he has worked well enough in them at home, and hopefully he can travel into his races a bit more kindly and make my job a bit easier! He beat Pic D’Orhy by 16 lengths here in February and, although the Nicholls horse is much better than he showed there, hopefully we can get the same outcome here, though the race-fit Minella Drama is not out of this getting 6lb.

2.05pm Ascot

Theatre Glory

Goshen and Sceau Royal are probably the two to beat, but Theatre Glory is pretty much the equal of that pair at these weights. Last season’s Newbury mishap aside, she has a great record when fresh too, and she finished last season in good form. The drying ground will suit and I’d say she has a pretty good chance here.

2.40pm Ascot

Go Chique

She has been busy this season, so she has had a little break since running at Exeter last month. If she returns to her best, and this is her trip and ground, then she has a chance, though she clearly has to bounce back after her two most recent efforts. That said, this is another race that has cut up in our favour.

3.50pm Ascot

Tradecraft

He comes here with no experience, but he has a nice pedigree, being by Blue Bresil out of a mare who won five times on the Flat from 1m4f to 2m, and he has shown us a fair amount at home.

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