The Mandarin’s Ascot Racecard for Saturday 21st December 2024

The Mandarin’s Ascot Racecard for Saturday 21st December

Thames materials Novices’ Handicap Hurdle 12.40
Just Lucky Sivola
Just Lucky Sivola showed plenty of tenacity to get off the mark at Hereford last month, so could be the one to keep on side in the opener. He’s likely to face strong pressure from the hat-trick seeking Golden Ambition, from Ben Pauling’s in-form yard, with this trip well withing range, while Thank You Ma’am gets Olive Nicholls 7lb claim that should put him in the picture too. Just Lucky Sivola to take to this new trip, and on better ground than at Hereford has to be the one to note.

Howden Handicap Chase 1.15
Galop De Chasse
Both Scarface and Galop De Chasse have solid claims for this Handicap Chase. This pair clashed at Newbury three weeks ago, with Scarface just a length ahead to take the runners-up spot, but with Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch in such fine form, Galop De Chasse gets the nudge. Elsewhere in the line-up, Top-weight Solo needs to improve from his seasonal reappearance in the Sodexo Live Gold Cup Handicap Chase here last month, but over this trip Galop De Chasse looks the one to follow.

Howden Graduation Chase 1.50
Iroko
Three Irish raiders for this Graduation Chase, but home hope Iroko should be able to fend off all-comers in this trappy four-runner contest. Unexposed over fences after just the three starts, Oliver Greenall’s & Josh Guerriero’s French bred gelding can only come on for his seasonal reappearance at Haydock Park where he was just a half-length behind Kim Bailey’s Trelawne, so with conditions to suit and and Ascot’s stiff finish sure to play into his hands, has to top the shortlist. Gordon Elliott’s classy sprinter Fil Dor rates the main danger, but Iroko should be hard to beat.

Howden Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) 2.25
Strong Leader (nap)
Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader has been a revelation since stepping up in trip to join the Stayers’ division. When he landed the Grade One Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree’s Grand National Festival in April, it was clear that this Passing Glance gelding was going to run over this new trip, and he didn’t disappoint when making a winning start to this season’s campaign at Newbury in the Long Distance Hurdle last time out. Gordon Elliott’s prolific Irish raider The Wallpark has to be considered, while Paul Nicholl’s Blueking D’oroux and Henry de Bromhead’s Hiddenvalley Lake can also make the frame. Strong Leader to continue to progress in with a win here.

Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 3.00
Victtorino
Another race that can go to Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch with Victtorino in the Silver Cup Handicap Chase. He won this race last year, showing lots of grit up Ascot’s stiff finish, despite carrying top-weight as a five-year-old, hard pressed by Gavin Cromwell’s Yeah Man in the closing strides, but giving plenty for pressure when asked the question. Joe Tizzard has his string in good form ,so The Changing Man looks one to keep Victtorino honest, while Kim Bailey’s Trelawne completes the shortlist. Victtorino to score this big prize.

Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) 3.35
Dysart Enos (nb)
Fergal O’Brien’s mare blew her unbeaten record at Cheltenham last month, but is given another chance by us here. She did take a keen hold in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham’s Autumn Festival, but being within 4 lengths of the smart Burdett Road and just a half-length behind Being Aware from Dan Skelton’s in-form yard wasn’t really a negative after nearly 20 months off the track. Paul Nicholls’s unbeaten youngster Kabral Du Mathan and the re-opposing Be Aware rate the main threats, while Alan King’s Favour And Fortune is the each-way angle, but Dysart Enos is taken to return to winning ways.

The Mandarin