Kim Muir Challenge Cup

Tip 1: ASK BREWSTER - ULTIMA 0.5pt EW (4 places) NRNB

Best odds of 25/1 at bet365 at the time of publishing.

I’ve discussed the chances of Ask Brewster in relation to the Ultima Handicap Chase a few times already this season. At one stage it didn’t look like he would get into the race, but that’s now starting to look like a real possibility.

He has a very solid profile for a race like the Ultima, and even though this year’s renewal looks strong with a few potential graded horses in the line-up, I still want to take a chance on him, especially if he sneaks in right at the bottom of the weights. A mark of 128 looks very workable to my eye, and his recent runs suggest this type of race could suit him perfectly.

His last four starts in particular have offered plenty of clues. He first won at Chepstow over three miles, and horses that handle Chepstow often enjoy Cheltenham because of the similarities between the tracks. He then went to Cheltenham and proved that next time out and bolted up over an extended 3m4f on good ground, so he stays no problem at all.

He’s a seriously good jumper, and when he returned to three miles at Chepstow on his next start it proved no issue at all, as he won comfortably again on firm ground. He’s a strong traveller who seems to relish undulating tracks, so his final start at Sandown, right-handed and on a flatter track, never really looked his ideal test. The return to Cheltenham next week should suit him perfectly.

Even if he doesn’t get an uncontested lead, I’d still expect him to race prominently, and if he gets into a good rhythm he might not be easy to peg back. He looks a genuinely talented horse, and he’s one of the few at the lower end of the weights that I can see having a real chance. He may end up in the Kim Muir instead, but I much prefer him in the Ultima, and with the NRNB concession available, it feels well worth taking the chance now