Ascot: small fields but top quality

Quality not quantity is the feature of Ascot´s high class card today, with only 4 runners in the two top events, the Grade 2 novice chase over 3 miles at 14.05 CET and the Grade One 2 3/4 mile chase at 15.15. In the former event, all 4 entries are Cheltenham possibles and we give slight preference to front-runner Carruthers (Mark Bradstock/ Mattie Batchelor) over Breedsbreeze (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh), who is unbeaten in 3 starts this season. In the latter event, Vor por Ustedes (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) is clear favourite, but faces strong opposition from Gwanako (Nicholls/ Walsh) and Tamarinbleu (David Pipe/ Tom Scudamore), who flopped in the King Gweorge but whose previous form looks pretty smart. German-btred Wendel (Charlie Mann/ Noel Fehily) has made a positive impression and can take the novice hurdle at 15.45, while the handicap hurdle at 14.40, also over 2 1/2 miles, is the big bettiong race of the day. In a wide open race, Belcantista (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Joh nson) is our tentative suggestion; the admirable Lough Derg (Pipe/ Scu) can never be discounted, but faces a stiff task giving lumps of weight away all round, while the unbeaten Dave´s Dream (Nicky Henderson/ Felix de Giles) and American Trilogy (Nicholls/ Walsh) are others for the short list.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Breedsbreeze - Carruthers - Ballyfitz
2. Race: Belcantista - Dave`S Dream - American Trilogy
3. Race: Voy Por Ustedes - Tamarinbleu - Gwanako
4. Race: Wendel - Chariot Charger - Doctor Pat
5. Race: Santia - Pelican Point - Kahsabelle
6. Race: Consigliere - Baseball Ted - Vinmix De Bessy
7. Race: Western Leader - Jau - Vino Griego