Harry Fry is gunning for back-to-back wins in the OLBG.com Mares' Hurdle at Ascot

Harry Fry is gunning for back-to-back wins in the OLBG.com Mares' Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday with Bitofapuzzle.

Harry Fry is gunning for back-to-back wins in the OLBG.com Mares' Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday with Bitofapuzzle his representative this year.

The Grade Two event, registered as the Warfield Mares' Hurdle, was won 12 months ago by Highland Retreat, who has since gone on to prove herself decent over fences.

She beat Robert Walford's reopposing Carole's Spirit, but Fry's runner is looking to bounce back from losing her unbeaten career record last time out.

"With her weight and rating she's got a lot to find against the top horse Carole's Spirit, who was runner-up behind Highland Retreat last season," said Fry in his Stan James blog.

"Bitofapuzzle will love the ground conditions and the step up in trip will suit her really well and we're looking forward to running her."

Fry was once assistant to champion trainer Paul Nicholls, as was Dan Skelton and the latter runs Fairytale Theatre.

Skelton has resisted the temptation to replace amateur jockey Bridget Andrews after she rode her to finish second in a decent race at Sandown.

She was a faller last time out at Leopardstown in a Grade Three.

"She'll love the ground and has only ever won right handed. I think the step up in trip to three miles should suit her so we may as well run," said Skelton.

"Bridget gets on extremely well with her so I thought we may as well leave her on.

"I'm aware she's plenty to find on the ratings but these races can throw up the odd shock, so it's worth a crack."

Peter Bowen's Land Of Vic, Mischievous Milly from Oliver Sherwood's yard and Evan Williams' Dark Spirit are others with chances.