ITV Racing Tips & Preview

The well-contested Ascot handicap won by Elgin has already proven to be one of the best hurdling form lines of the winter with the winner going on to land Cheltenham’s Greatwood Hurdle, while runner-up Limited Reserve and fifth-home Verdana Blue have both scored with comfort since. Even Dolos, who finished well down the field, has subsequently won a novice chase with authority to enhance the strength of the race so AIR HORSE ONE (Best price 7-2) makes plenty of appeal on his second start of the campaign. The return to today’s trip should suit the selection which only faded late on after being ridden aggressively at Ascot and should strip fitter for the outing.

There is a chance the Triumph Hurdle-sixth Charli Parcs could simply outclass his rivals and, as he went well fresh last term, he is likely to be thereabouts on his comeback with conditions likely to play to his strengths. However, HIGH BRIDGE (Best price 3-1) is another to emerge from the Ascot handicap captured by Elgin and he should make a bold bid to defend an unbeaten track record (2-2). Although well beaten in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the selection wasn’t disgraced that day only giving way on the run to the second last hurdle and he confirmed on his return that races of this nature are well within his grasp.

Tom George is yet to add his name to an illustrious roll-call of trainers that have secured one of jump racing’s most illustrious races, but he landed a nice prize at Ascot last weekend and SINGLEFARMPAYMENT (Best price 7-1) could be the answer to lift the newly-named Ladbrokes Trophy.

The ability to travel strongly and jump with precision in big-field handicap chases is a highly-prized commodity and George’s gelding has displayed those traits on more than one occasion in a six-race chase career which has already seen him narrowly beaten in a red-hot Cheltenham festival handicap.

Described as a nervous and jittery type earlier in his career, Singlefarmpayment has taken work and patience to sand down the edges and transform him into a horse capable of competing in fierce handicaps.

The quiet and composed riding style of Adrian Heskin could well have served to impart confidence in his partner and the duo’s form figures of 321B22 make impressive reading given the level they have competed at.

A recent spin at Cheltenham behind Cogry should have blown away a few cobwebs and the selection has won in each of the last two Decembers after being tuned up by his opening reappearance.

There is no doubting DUKE OF NAVAN (Best price 11-2) is rather fragile and his winning days have been sparse, but the booking of Davy Russell who is a master in races of this nature breeds confidence. There is an argument to suggest the selection is well handicapped at present and he was noted keeping on steadily on his return at Aintree behind Baby King who re-opposes again today. Traditionally, Duke Of Navan is a stuffy horse who needs a run to reach peak fitness so more can be expected of him this afternoon with the ground likely to suit. 

Backing Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air at long odds-on first time out on bad ground may not be the wisest strategy and it wouldn’t be much of a column if I suggested as much. Obviously, backing the second favourite each-way in a race of this nature can signal the end of a betting account these days so in putting up IRVING (Best price 5-1) I acknowledge that this bet isn’t for everyone. It is fair to say Irving would have been a top-draw hurdler but for injuries and ailments, but he has still managed to win two of the last three runnings of this race and has enjoyed a clear run in preparation for the hat-trick. Whereas Buveur D’Air has loftier engagements further down the line, this is arguably Irving’s premier target and the prices this morning make him the bet. 

BEWARE THE BEAR (Best price 4-1) could prove to be a different class here and it is interesting his handler has decided to swerve a big prize at Newbury today instead of a quieter route. Some of his efforts over fences last year, including a smooth defeat of Singlefarmpayment at Ascot read very well, and he was prepared ready to roll first time last season so fitness may not be an issue. The selection looked to have plenty of scope for further improvement last term so may not have finished improving just yet. Boric loves this track and could be worth considering as he has been targeted at this event and goes well for his rider. He maybe a big price sitting at the foot of the weights with conditions sure to be testing.