Good Ground Sets Stage for Quality Ascot Action
Saturday's seven-race card at Ascot promises to be a cracking afternoon's entertainment, with the Berkshire venue serving up a proper mixed bag of National Hunt action. The going is riding Good across the whole course after a thorough vertidrain since the last meeting, and by Jaysus, that's music to my ears. Good ground at Ascot in May? We'll take that all day long, especially when it means we can expect some genuine galloping and true-run races.
The Ascot racecard is headlined by the £30,000 Bangor-on-Dee Handicap Chase over three miles, where the old warrior Twig looks to add another chapter to his remarkable story. But there's quality throughout the card, from novice maidens to mares' contests, and plenty of opportunities for the shrewd punter to find some value.
Feature Race: Twig Still Has Plenty to Give
The 16:10 Bangor-on-Dee Handicap Chase is the day's feature, and what a field they've assembled for this Class 2 contest. At the head of the market sits the 11-year-old Twig, rated 145 and carrying top weight for Ben Pauling. Now, some might say an 11-year-old is past his best, but I'd argue this old campaigner still has more petrol in the tank than half the younger brigade.
Twig's form figures read like a who's who of quality staying chases, and crucially, he's a course and distance winner here. That [D] next to his name isn't just decoration - it's gold dust at a track like Ascot where knowing the undulations can make all the difference. Beau Morgan takes the ride, and that's another tick in the box.
The main danger looks to be Cruz Control for Tom Lacey. This nine-year-old is rated 139 and comes here in decent nick. Stan Sheppard knows his way around a big handicap chase, and at the weights, this fellow could be the one to topple the old king.
Ones to Watch Across the Card
In the opener, that Maiden Hurdle at 13:50, all eyes should be on Mega Etoile. She's the only runner with a rating (98), and having Henrietta Knight train her and Brendan Powell in the saddle suggests they fancy their chances. The Donald McCain pair of Double Indemnity and Earnest Belief could be interesting too - McCain knows how to get one ready first time out.
The 14:25 Novices' Chase over two miles four furlongs looks a proper test, and Wudya for the Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith team catches the eye. He's top-rated at 109 and has the [C] for course winner. Danny McMenamin is a handy pilot around here, and this fellow could be ready to take another step forward.
Don't overlook Big Boy Barney either - Theo Gillard has been riding with confidence lately, and Fergal O'Brien's string are in decent form. At 107, he's not far off the pace on ratings.
Ground Conditions Could Prove Decisive
That Good ground is absolutely crucial to how Saturday plays out. We've had plenty of rain this spring, so to get proper jumping conditions without it being a slog is a blessing. The faster surface will suit the speedier types, particularly in the shorter distance events.
In the 15:00 Handicap Hurdle, both Magic Wave and Torrent are rated 110 and will relish the quicker conditions. Magic Wave is a 10-year-old who's seen it all before, while Torrent is a five-year-old on the upgrade. That's your classic old head versus young gun scenario, and on Good ground, I'd lean towards the younger legs.
Harry Kimber has been among the winners lately, and his mount Walking On Air in the feature chase could outrun his odds. At 122, he's the lowest-rated in the field, but three miles on Good ground might just bring out the best in him.
Mares Get Their Moment
The 16:45 Mares' Handicap Hurdle over two miles seven furlongs is always worth a close look. Victoria Milano heads the weights at 96 for the Greenall & Guerriero team, but I'm more interested in Jetty May down the bottom. She's trained by Paul Nicholls, and when the champion trainer sends one up from Ditcheat for a £8,000 prize, you sit up and take notice.
Liam Harrison takes the ride on Jetty May, and at just 92, she could be well handicapped if she's improved from last season. The step up in trip on Good ground could be just what she needs.
The closing bumper is always a lottery, but keep an eye on anything from the Henry Daly or Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies yards - they know how to place these types.
Tom's Saturday Selections
Right then, here's how I'm playing Saturday's card at Ascot. **Twig** remains the one to beat in the feature chase - class is permanent, and this old boy has it in spades. The Good ground will suit, and that course form is invaluable.
**Mega Etoile** looks the pick in the opener - she's the only one with a rating, and the Henrietta Knight factor can't be ignored. In the novice chase, **Wudya** gets the nod as the highest-rated with course-winning form.
For a bit of value, I'm sweet on **Jetty May** in the mares' hurdle. Paul Nicholls doesn't send them this far north without good reason, and she could be better than her rating suggests.
The Good ground should produce some fast times and true-run races. It's shaping up to be a grand afternoon's racing at one of our finest tracks. Sláinte to that!
