The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections for 1st November 2025

The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections from Wetherby, Down Royal & Ascot

Wetherby

bet365 Mares Hurdle (Listed) 1.50
Kateira
It’s a bit disappointing to see just the three runners for this Mares Listed Hurdle, but I just wonder whether that makes it a trappy race that could favour Kateira. Having said that, Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace does look a strong hot favourite for this, at odds to match, but I like the way that Dan Skelton goes about his business and I’m expecting a big year from the Alcester handler. There’s no obvious pacesetter from these three, so I can see it developing into a tactical battle, and for me that’s where Kateira can use her finishing speed to good effect, despite the long break from the Yorkshire Rose Hurdle we last saw her run in. Kateira to upset Golden Ace with an early campaign win for Dan Skelton.

Bet365 Hurdle (Grade 2) 2.22
Strong Leader
I do like the appeal of Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader for this West Yorkshire Hurdle. He’s a Grade One winner, and should have too much class for Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies Potters Charm. Dan Skelton’s mare, Take No Chances, possibly left her challenge a little late in the Silver Trophy Handicap at Chepstow three weeks back, but can also figure. Willie Mullins has recent Cesarewitch ninth Winter Fog in the mix, who should be race fit after that hot handicap, but Strong Leader is hard to oppose.

bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2) 2.57
Protektorat (nb)
A fascinating renewal, where plenty have a case for, but everything looks aligned for Dan Skelton’s Protektorat to land the Charlie Hall. Now, I do know that our lovely Jaysella has given the nod to Pic D’orhy in the Podcast this week, but with a bit of rain about I would have a niggling concern over his stamina in this instance, with Shark Hanlon’s Hewick and Patrick Neville’s The Real Whacker likely to bowl along at the front, and make it a test of stamina when push comes to shove. That’s where Protektorat wins it for me, this proven Grade One winner has oodles of reserves, and can let them all pour it on on this flattish track and still have something in the tank. Last year’s winner The Real Whacker to make the pace with Hewick, with Protektorat sitting in behind until Harry Skelton pushes the button.

Down Royal

BetVictor Champion Chase (Grade 1) 2.40
Envoi Allen
Two wins and a neck second to surprise victor Gerri Colombe in the last three runnings of this race entitles Envoi Allen to be marked up a favourite. And, given that he goes so well fresh, I reckon that he’s going in again for Henry de Bromhead, so I did run this by Caroline in the week for her view, and she told me that Envoi Allen’s freshness was the key. That said, this is a pretty strong field, with Gordon Elliott’s pair of Found A Fifty and Western Fold live dangers, and is there’s plenty of rain about, James Joseph Mangan’s Spillane’s Tower comes into the equation. A real crackerjack of a Grade One, but Envoi Allen is the one they all have to beat.

Kildress Plumbing Chase (Grade 2) 3.15
Firefox
Gordon Elliott runs three of the six, but Firefox looks the Cullentra yard’s number one with jack Kennedy aboard. That said, Croke Park beat Firefox in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse last December, though the selection is 10lbs better off at the weights this time around. Henry de Bromhead’s Gorgeous Tom is unexposed and could rate the main danger, but Firefox has plenty of experience at the top level so gets the nudge.

Ascot

Grundon Waste Management Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 2.05
L’eau Du Sud (nap)
We do think an awful lot Of Dan Skelton’s L’eau Du Sud here in the office, and I’ll bet that he’ll take to Ascot’s track and take this. A winner of four of six chase starts, this Lord Du Sud sired seven year old isn’t fully out there yet, and hails from the highly progressive yard of Dan Skelton. Quite the brilliant Novice Chaser last year, fourth in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival, he goes well fresh and there is surely more to come. Irish raider Special Cadeau can figure, while Harry Fry’s Boothill has a decent course record, and last year’s winner Martator completes the shortlist for this competitive Premier Handicap. However, this Handicap mark may underrate L’eau Du Sud, so with Tristan Durrell’s 3lb claim I’m finding him easy to back.

Sodexo Live! Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) 3.45
The Changing Man
Joe Tizzard’s The Changing Man must be the one to beat in this Sodexo Live Gold Cup Handicap Chase. Proven on this track, he goes well fresh and having been one of the bridesmaids seven times in twelve starts, with just the one win in the book over fences, must be due a bit more luck in the shake-up. David Pipe’s Neon Moon and Ben Pauling’s Henry’s Friend looks obvious threats, but The Changing Man is the one to follow.

The Mandarin