Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Ascot and Haydock on Saturday. View selections below.
There are few more consistent chasers than VINCENZO (2.20) and the Sam Thomas-trained gelding can make his mark in the 2m 5f bet365 Handicap Chase at Ascot.
The eight-year-old, a winner on soft ground at Sandown at this time last winter, has found one too good on his last two outings. He chased home Panic Attack (dual winner since) in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and occupied another runner-up spot in the December Gold Cup on a return visit to the track.
Vincenzo isn’t overburdened and should have the measure of Etalon and Scarface, with both those protagonists renewing rivalry on the back of a thrilling duel here last month. The grey Bad laboured back in fourth that day but would have a chance if recapturing his earlier form.
NURSE SUSAN (1.40) is fancied to dominate four rivals in the BetMGM Mares’ Hurdle.
Dan Skelton’s nine-year-old seeks a hat-trick following victories at Cheltenham and Sandown, and the stable mopped up this contest 12 months ago with Take No Chances.
La Conquiere also hits the hat-trick trail but her victories at Uttoxeter and Newbury have come against slightly less intimidating company. The horse she beat at Newbury has since been turned over at odds of 1-6 in a mares’ novice hurdle at Wincanton.
ISSAM (1.00) appeals at more generous odds in the three-mile BetMGM Handicap Chase.
He made a winning return at Wetherby (soft) in mid-November and finished a staying-on third at Ascot before Christmas. This will be Issam’s first attempt at this longer trip but it may well suit.
Likely market leader The Jukebox Kid let down favourite backers over 3m 1f at Cheltenham, folding rather tamely when headed between the last two fences. He had earlier impressed when winning over 2m 5f at Carlisle.
Kap Vert was a beaten favourite when third at Kempton before Christmas but isn’t written off.
At Haydock, BRENTFORD HOPE (12.50) can strike in the two-mile Sky Bet Club Handicap Hurdle.
Although only sixth behind Fortune De Mar at Cheltenham, that looked a stronger event. Brentford Hope has since posted a third place over course and distance at the end of 2025 and has been eased slightly by the assessor.
Bertie’s Ballet runs the track particularly well and scooped this event 12 months ago off a 5lb lower perch. On the debit side, he has been off the track 339 days, so a market watch is advised.
Smart Decision has won four of his last five outings and Tim Easterby moves his improved five-year-old up in grade.
ESCAPEANDEVADE (3.45) has a big weight to carry but that shouldn’t prevent a bold show in the concluding two-mile Sky Bet-sponsored handicap chase.
Harry Derham’s sound jumper was rewarded for some consistent efforts in defeat when mastering Sunnyville in a ding-dong finish over course and distance before Christmas.
Koukeo drew ten lengths clear when beating three rivals at Windsor on New Year’s Day and may be on the upgrade, while Kykorock has mopped up his last two starts in lesser company at Market Rasen and Warwick.
Tally Ho
Alan
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
