User Review
( votes)Ascot Chase – Race Preview
Saturday sees the annual running of the Ascot Chase at the Berkshire track. A Grade 1 contest, the Ascot Chase is run over a distance of 2 miles and 5 and a half furlongs with a total of 17 fences jumped. Eight runners are set to take their chances on Saturday and aim to join the list of past winners that includes the likes of One Man and Cue Card.
The Paul Nicholls trained Silviniaco Conti is the current ante-post favourite for the Ascot Chase and he was last seen when being pulled up in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. Saturday will see Silviniaco Conti dropping back in trip and also sporting a visor for the first time. Known for his galloping style of running, Silviniaco Conti looks set for a front running performance on Saturday and if allowed a comfortable lead, he could well take all the beating.
The current ante-post second favourite is the David Pipe trained Dynaste, who is running after recently having a breathing operation following four disappointing runs this season. Dynaste has finished behind Silviniaco Conti on four previous occasions but if the operation has been a success, then he has an excellent chance to finally reverse placings with his old rival.
Nicky Henderson is set to be double-handed in Saturday’s race with both Triolo D’Alene and Ma Filleule set to run. Having recorded a winning return to action when victorious in a Listed chase at Kempton in January, Saturday’s race may well be a stepping stone for Triolo D’Alene enroute to another crack at the Aintree Grand National in April. With Saturday’s race set to be run at a fast pace, it would be somewhat of a surprise if Triolo D’Alene will have the speed to trouble the main market fancies. Ma Filleule enjoyed a comfortable victory at Doncaster at the end of December and is set to run in Saturday’s race off only 11 stone due to her 7lb Mares allowance. With the benefit of this allowance, Ma Filleule could well run a big race.
Flemenstar is set to represent Ireland in Saturday’s race with trainer Andrew Lynch confirming that the eleven-year old will travel across. Highly tried so far this season, Flemenstar enjoyed a fortuitous victory in a Grade 1 contest at Leopardstown over the festive period following the fall of Un De Sceaux. That was Flemenstar’s first victory in over two years and racing off a mark of 160 on Saturday, it would be a major shock if he could win.
Saturday’s field is completed by Amore Alato, Royal Regatta and Savello.
Silviniaco Conti is the current ante-post favourite for Saturday’s race at 3.75 (11/4) with Dynaste available at 4.5 (9/2). Triolo D’Alene and Ma Filleule are both 9 (8/1) and Flemenstar is 12 (11/1). The horse racing betting tip for Saturday’s Ascot Chase is Ma Filleule each-way at 9 (8/1).
By: Scott McGlynn