THE feature at Ascot is the Howden Long Walk Hurdle Grade 1 and with no Paisley Park, Champ and Dasher Drasher the oldest runners this year are the eight-year-olds!
Strong Leader Unibet 2/1 is the most likely winner and as long as the ground isn’t a bog by the time he runs this favourite, who is still improving, can take this Long Walk.
It could be a really good day for those near the head of the market not only at Ascot but at Haydock too where Far Bridge has a good chance in the Tommy Whittle.
Enjoy whether at Ascot or Haydock and if #athome enjoy the ITV Racing coverage.
I’m looking forward to being at Ascot and see you there!
Cheers!
The Wine Tipster
2.05 Haydock – Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (3m ½f)
Famous Bridge can follow up on his 2023 Tommy Whittle success in what has been surely his target race. Away from Haydock you have to note his fourth in this year’s Ultima at Cheltenham to Chianti Classico in a strong renewal on heavy going. On seasonal debut he ran well at Kelso in October when third to Elvis Mail and he will definitely be sharp enough for a yard in good form with the testing heavy ground a big plus for Famous Bridge.
Unibet 5/2 win
*Money Back as Cash if 2nd or 3rd is available on this race
3.00 Ascot – Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase (3m)
Victtorino was third in the big handicap at Newbury in November but it should be pointed out that his jumping could have been better, and he was never really in with a winning chance, coming home with a rattle when it was all over to finish third to Kandoo Kid, having been tipped in my Unibet blog. Victtorino has the talent and if he picks his feet up a bit better, he has a clear chance of following up on his 2023 Silver Cup success off a one-pound higher mark.
Unibet 13/8 win
3.15 Haydock – Merry Christmas Handicap Hurdle (3m)
The Impostor struggled on his first start for nearly a year when pulled up at the big November meeting at Haydock when stepping up to a Class 1. His form figures ahead of that race were really impressive, as since November 2022 his form figures read 31112111/111-, which has seen him go from a mark of 76 to 125 in ground conditions of heavy, soft and good to soft. The Impostor returns to Class 3 company after trying to step up in class and this looks a good each way opportunity at a minimum.
Unibet 18/1 each way
3.35 Ascot – Handicap Hurdle (1m 7½f)
Be Aware (nap) ran a blinder in the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last month when a ½-length second to the very smart Burdett Road after making up loads of ground late on. This was Be Aware’s best career performance over his ideal trip and we know the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle is a strong marker for the season.
The distance is ideal, ground conditions suit and he will be held up as usual to make a winning challenge this time.
Unibet 7/2 win
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