Sam Turner guides you through the days live ITV races.
1.50 Ascot
Connections of LA BAGUE AU ROI (Best price EVS) have hatched an ambitious end of season plan which includes a tilt at the Stayers’ Hurdle. She is currently a 40-1 chance for that contest which, considering her trainer can already include a victory in that race on his cv courtesy of Cole Harden, may be a touch overpriced. However, if she is to be capable of mixing it with the likes of Sam Spinner, Apples Jade et al then she needs to be beating her own sex in this event to strengthen her credentials. Unbeaten in three stats right handed, the seven-year-old displayed terrific tenacity to see off Jer’s Girl at Kempton and those battling qualities will stand her in good stead as she attempts to complete the four timer.
2.25 Ascot
Jonjo O’Neill junior has caught the eye of much better judges than me this season and the talented conditional rider has the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents on a prestigious day courtesy of CROSSED MY MIND (Best price 4-1). Trainer Arthur Moore may not be the force he once was, but he can still prepare a likely contender for a handicap and his gelding stuck to his task well over two miles at Sandown in a strongly-run affair last time. Any further easing of conditions won’t be an issue and his attractive racing weight and stylish rider add further confidence.
3.00 Ascot
My original selection for this race, Tenor Nivernais, has been withdrawn so, given there is every chance ACTING LASS (Best price 7-4) may prove a good deal better than his current mark of 143, he gains the nod even if his price does little to inspire. The selection is one of few in this event which is upwardly mobile courtesy of two professional victories over fences this season and, although he has only beaten six rivals in total, he has achieved the victories in ruthless fashion. Robinshill is another improver but, if the forecast overnight rain arrives, that may not suit the dual Ludlow scorer at today’s trip.
3.35 Ascot
The past year and a half have represented some of the most testing of times for trainer Willie Mullins, but the performances of UN DE SCEAUX (Best price 8-15) have at least proved a constant supply of joy. Career-ending injuries and fatalities sustained by some of the stable's high-profile stars would have floored many a handler and left them questioning quite what they did to deserve such ill fortune. In Un De Sceaux, connections have a wonderfully durable performer which has, to date, stepped up to deliver on the biggest stages whenever required. Last year's Ryanair Chase winner played a pivotal role in a glittering day-three four-timer at the Cheltenham Festival which helped to erase the previous two day's reverses and he has the opportunity to complete an historic hat-trick in this Grade One feature having comfortably landed the previous two renewals. Obviously, I can’t tip Un De Sceaux at his odds so I’d rather risk a point on SAN BENEDETO (Best price 8-1) in the markets without the favourite. Brain Power, Kylemore Lough and Speredek all prefer to be ridden aggressively and I’m hopeful Nick Scholfield will hunt his mount round well away from the fearsome early pace and pick up some pieces late on – that is the theory anyway!
2.05 Haydock
Thankfully, Haydock passed an early morning inspection and WATERLORD (Best price 9-4) could be the answer to the Sky Bet Supreme Trial. Donald McCain’s improving gelding was highly impressive over course and distance three weeks ago when galloping his five rivals into the ground to score with any amount in hand. His handler was quick to nominate this afternoon’s event as a natural stepping stone and, although First Flow sauntered to a smooth win at Newbury, the selection’s experience of Haydock’s brush hurdles and affinity for heavy conditions should stand him in good stead.
2.40 Haydock
There wasn’t a great deal between THE NEW ONE (Best price 5-4) and Clyne when they met in the Welsh Champion Hurdle (former conceded 8lb), while only a length separated the duo in this race 12 months ago. The New One needed all of his renowned battling qualities to see off his old adversary that day and complete an historic hat-trick in this race and he is going to need to bring all his best qualities to the track again today with Ch’Tibello also in opposition. He never makes it look easy, but given today’s conditions, it is unlikely any horse other than Bristol De Mai in his pomp is going to enjoy Haydock’s ground.
3.15 Haydock
Rock The Kasbah missed the Welsh National because of heavy ground so it is perhaps a surprise to see him as favourite for today’s war of attrition. However, gruelling conditions should play to the strengths of YALA ENKI (Best price 7-1), who has been shown some leniency by the handicapper and could be a major player if he can find some rhythm at the head of affairs. His handler is often the go-to-trainer for a race of this nature and this confirmed mud-lover should relish the prospect of stamina-sapping conditions after shaping as though the ability remains at time this season.
