Ascot today

A high class card at Ascot, with some small but very select fields. Only 6 line up in the Grade One Ascot chase over just short of 2 3/4 miles at 16.50 CET, but they include several major Cheltenham prospects, notably Finians Rainbow (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty), who won the Champion Chase last year. He has not run since finishing last of 4 here on very heavy ground in November, so we are a bit sceptical. That race was won by.

Captain Chris (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson), who went on to finish an excellent runner-up to Long Run in the King George. Cue Card (Colin and Joe Tizzard) was 20 lengths behind in 5th that day, but this distance is far more suitable and we certainly expect him to make a race of it today.

The Grade Two reynoldstpown Nlovoce CVhase over 3 milres at 125.05 has only 5 runners; all of nthem are pretty good, but Rocky Creek (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) looks a major prospect and we expect him to win, and possibly complete a double for the Nicholls/ Walsh team, as Aaim to Prosper has a good chance in the opening novice hurdle at 14.30, although this is another strong race. Aaim to Prosper was a top stayer on the flat, twice winning the Cesarewitch under a huge weights; his two hurdles races so far have not been quite as successful as hoped, but it could be third time lucky today.

The novice hurdle over a shorter trip at 17.25 also has a small field, but with two top Cheltenham hopes: River Maigue (Henderson/ Geraghty) and Far West (Nicholls/ Walsh); the latter is a 4yo and thus gets plenty of weight from the older horse, which could be decisive and help complete an excellent day for his team.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Aaim To Prosper - Sausalito Sunrise - Copper Birch
2. Race: Rocky Creek - Houblon Des Obeaux - Real Milan
3. Race: Vino Griego - Major Malarkey - Cappa Bleu
4. Race: The Bear Trap - Queens Grove - Whitby Jack
5. Race: Cue Card - Captain Chris - Finian`S Rainbow
6. Race: River Maigue - Bullet Street - Boss In Boots
7. Race: Captain Cutter - Red Sherlock - The Skyfarmer