A Proper Day's Racing at the Royal Course
Well now, what a treat Ascot served up on this fine Saturday afternoon! The Berkshire venue might be better known for its flat racing glamour, but by God, they know how to put on a National Hunt card when they set their minds to it. Six races of varying quality, but each one telling its own story on ground that rode a proper Good after that vertidrain work.
The afternoon's card had everything you'd want from a Saturday session - from promising maidens making their debuts to seasoned handicappers scrapping it out over the longer trips. And with Harry Skelton in the saddle for two of the day's most eyecatching performances, you could sense the quality from the off.
Calico Shows His True Colours in the Feature
The Bangor-on-Dee Grand Wynnstay Handicap Chase was always going to be the race that separated the wheat from the chaff, and by Jesus, didn't Calico just prove he's operating on a different level entirely. That rating of 150 isn't there for decoration, and Harry Skelton gave him a peach of a ride to put this Class 2 contest to bed with the minimum of fuss.
Personal Ambition tried his heart out under Ben Jones, but when you're giving the best part of a stone to a horse of Calico's calibre, you're fighting a losing battle from the off. The way the winner quickened away after the second-last told you everything about his class - this is a horse who belongs in Grade 2 company at the very least.
Poor old Homme Public never got into the race under Toby Wynne, while Grain d'Oudairies looked every inch a horse who needs softer ground to show his best. Harry Cobden couldn't get a tune out of him on this Good surface, and you'd want to see him when the rain arrives before writing him off completely.
Maiden Hurdle Throws Up Future Stars
The opening maiden hurdle was one of those races that'll have the form students scribbling notes for months to come. Thirteen runners with not a rating between them, but some serious breeding on show and trainers who know their business.
David Bass getting the leg up on Heffalump caught my eye immediately - you don't see Bass on no-hopers, and this one's got a pedigree that screams stamina. The way he travelled through the race suggested we'll be seeing plenty more of him over longer trips as the season progresses.
Charlie Deutsch on Knolton Park was another combination that made perfect sense. Deutsch doesn't waste his time on lost causes, and this horse moved like one who'll appreciate a step up in trip when connections are ready to unleash him properly.
Handicap Hurdles Serve Up Competitive Fare
The Wigan Beer Company Novices' Limited Handicap was a proper puzzle to solve, with Siege of Acres looking well-treated on his rating of 95 under Theo Gillard. These limited handicaps can often throw up a surprise or two, and any horse Harry Skelton chooses to partner - in this case Dream's Ka - deserves the utmost respect.
The Remembering Kitty Warburton Handicap brought together some proper seasoned campaigners, with Fasol's rating of 120 making him the one they all had to beat. Paddy Hanlon in the saddle suggested connections fancied their chances, though Krak looked dangerously well-handicapped for Tom Bellamy on just a pound lower mark.
Fromheretoeternity is a horse I've had my eye on for a while - that's a name that suggests staying power, and Sean Quinlan's booking suggested the connections thought the 2m 145y trip would suit down to the ground.
Staying Chasers Battle It Out
The 3m 30y handicap chase was always going to be a war of attrition, and these staying chases often throw up horses who'll pop up in valuable prizes later in the season. Kenzo des Bruyeres under James Bowen looked the pick on ratings, but it's often the ones rated in the 90s who find that extra gear when the trip really stretches them out.
Special John has been knocking on the door in these staying handicaps, and Matt Griffiths knows him inside out. Any horse who can stay this trip on Good ground will have options aplenty when the winter festivals come around.
The closing novices' handicap chase brought together some progressive types, with Pigeon House and Nibras Gold both rated 120 and looking like horses who could make their mark in better company. Charlie Todd's association with Pigeon House caught my attention - he's riding with real confidence this season.
Looking Ahead - Ones to Follow
Saturday's action threw up several horses worth keeping on the right side of for the remainder of the season. Calico's performance in the feature race confirmed he's ready for a crack at some of the big staying chases this winter - don't be surprised to see him pop up at Cheltenham or Aintree before the season's out.
From the maiden hurdle, both Heffalump and Knolton Park looked like horses who'll improve markedly for the experience. The way they travelled suggests they'll both appreciate a step up in trip, and I wouldn't be shocked to see them winning decent novice hurdles before Christmas.
In the staying chase division, keep an eye on anything that ran well over the extended three-mile trip - these horses often come into their own when the ground turns soft and the big staying prizes start appearing on the calendar.
All in all, a cracking afternoon's sport that reminded us why National Hunt racing at Ascot deserves just as much respect as the flat game. Roll on the next meeting!
