Architect Tips has five tips for the ITV racing at Ascot on Saturday.
13:50 Saturday
JAMES DU BERLAIS (best price 7/2) took a heavy tumble when last seen at Punchestown, having looked set to go well, but Willie Mullins has given him time to get over that, and I’m hoping his class can see him shine on his return this weekend.
Daryl Jacob’s mount finished a gallant second in last season’s Topham Chase at Aintree, and although he’s not won since his chase debut, he comes out very well at the weights and can make a successful return to action.
14:25 Saturday
The feature race, the Long Walk Hurdle, can go the way of Olly Murphy’s improving stayer STRONG LEADER (best price 2/1), who has raised his game since stepping up to three miles and can add a second Grade 1 win to his CV.
The seven-year-old was impressive when winning the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree last season and had little difficulty in giving weight and a beating to the race-fit Pertempz winner Monmiral last month.
His form looks far superior to what The Wallpark has achieved, and the best is yet to come from him. He’s race-fit and the highest-rated runner in the field. There’s a lot to like about his chances, so he’s the bet of the day.
15:00 Saturday
VICTORRINO (best price 15/8) caught the eye with a staying on third in the Coral Gold Cup on his seasonal reappearance last month, and the handicapper has given him a serious chance here by leaving him on the same mark of 143.
Venetia Williams’ six-year-old defied top weight to win this race twelve months ago off only a pound lower mark, so he’s undoubtedly well handicapped in his repeat bid. I think he will prove very difficult to beat.
I quite like the French raider HELOY DELABARRIERE (best price 11/1) from an each-way perspective, who could be thrown in here off a mark of 139. I recognise him as the main danger to Victorrino given the consistent form he displayed in his home region.
Last seen finishing second in the Grade 1 Grand Prix D'Automne Hurdle, the seven-year-old must be extremely well handicapped on that form, let alone his fifth in the Grande Course de Haies in May earlier this year. I think he’s a really solid each-way option.
15:35 Saturday
Be Aware was a place in front of DYSART ENOS (best price 7/2) when the pair finished second and third in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham behind Burdett Road, but I strongly fancy the latter to gain revenge on this occasion.
I thought she ran a huge race on handicap debut, considering she did plenty wrong, and prior to that she was unbeaten in six starts. She will have come on plenty for that run and is fancied to resume winning ways in the finale.
