Racecards
14:05 Ascot
Pml Novices' Handicap Chase (Class D)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good, Good to Firm in places
- Form 3260-PB
- Age 7
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer C J Mann
- Jockey Dave Crosse
close up, chased leaders 3 out, weakened before 2 out, not fluent last, tailed off
- Form 0460-11
- Age 6
- Weight 11-8
- Trainer N Gaselee
- Jockey A Thornton
tracked leader, left to dispute lead after 8th, led 2 out, pecked last, driven out flat
- Form 0601-61
- Age 7
- Weight 10-5
- Trainer J Frost
- Jockey Jimmy McCarthy
held up in touch, disputed lead after 8th, every chance 2 out, soon headed, kept on same pace
- Form 000-P0
- Age 6
- Weight 10-3
led until hit and fell 8th
In depth
Verdict
Ballyrobert King's Travel and Tosawi look the ones to concentrate on in this tight affair and we will take a chance on Ballyrobert. The gelding from the Nick Gaselee yard has won his last two races in good style and although he has risen in the weights he won with plenty in hand when defeating Jardin de Beaulieu last time and with conditions again in his favour he will be hard to beat. King's Travel rates the main danger he won well last time out when defeating Vidi Ceaser but that was a novices handicap and he will find these more experienced rivals harder to contend with. Tosawi is also worthy of respect on his best hurdling form but this looks a tough assignment for his first run over fences. Of the remainder Regal Act is from a yard badly out of form so we are happy to side with Ballyrobert