Victor Chandler Chase Day at Ascot

Hello again

The frost put pay to the meeting at Catterick and along with it, 2 of yesterday’s selections. The remainder, SILVER TURN, at Wolverhampton was a disappointment and came in unplaced. Let’s hope we can do a bit better for Saturday.

A decent days racing is in prospect, with the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot, a quality novice hurdle and chase at Haydock, along with an interesting 3 mile handicap chase, again at the north-west track. Wincanton provides a good looking card and there is a class 3, 6 furlong handicap on the all-weather at Lingfield. 

Over the water in the emerald isle, there is due to be a meeting at Gowran Park. If it survives the weather (and let’s hope it does), there is a Grade 2, 3 mile hurdle on offer (Willie Mullins’ MOURAD will be looking to follow up victory at Leopardstown in December).

When it comes to the Victor Chandler Chase, I really cannot see past Master Minded who is a class act and I think will prevail, but  at very skinny odds.

One I have been keeping an eye on is KING FONTAINE, who runs in the 3.15 at Haydock. Winning here in November, he hit at least 3 fences, got a couple of swift reminders before getting his act together and staying on well. I could do with a little less in the drama department this time please, but very much fancy his chances.

SELECTIONS FOR SATURDAY

MOURAD Gowran Park 1.35 Meeting abandoned

WISHFULL THINKING Haydock Park 2.40 Meeting abandoned

KING FONTAINE Haydock Park 3.15 Meeting abandoned

 MAHOGANY BLAZE Ascot 3.30 Fell

ANNE OF KIEV Lingfield Park 3.40 Won @ 9/2

MUD MONKEY Wincanton 4.00 Unplaced

RESULTS:-

MAHOGANY BLAZE fell at the first open ditch.

ANNE OF KIEV and Steve Drowne looked as though they had left it far too late, but a well timed run won the races at an sp of 9/2.

MUD MONKEY settled at the head of affairs, but was easily headed coming for home. Finished 5th, a good way back.

All the best for a brilliant, bookie bashing Saturday

Cheers

Tatty