There are some very promising novices on show at Ascot on Friday on the opening day of the Ladbroke meeting. 21 runners have stood their ground for the big race on Saturday with our midweek selections of Dell Arca (10-1) and Flaxen Flare (16-1) among them.
The pick of tomorrow’s action is the Grade 2 Kennel Gate Hurdle and I believe Irving is over-priced at 11-4 in the early betting. It is true that Nicky Henderson has his usual endless supply of promising young hurdlers and Volnay De Thaix is the hot favourite here.
Whilst he could hardly have been impressive when winning at Newbury last time, it could justifiably be called an “egg and spoon” race and he hasn’t faced anything as smart as Irving. He may well prove too good for the Nicholls horse but the disparity in the odds making it a simple choice.
Irving was just as impressive at Ascot, cruising clear of A Hare Breath. That horse was only fourth subsequently but never seriously threatened to get near to Irving. Nick Scholfield is making the most of the glorious opportunity given to him at the Ditcheat yard and he rates the horse very highly.
My second selection is Raya Star in the novice chase. I must admit I am slightly worried by reports of a “mystery malaise” affecting some of Alan King’s runners but I’ve long been a supporter of this horse. He was a very good hurdler, winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr and the Ladbroke Hurdle over this course.
I am not convinced that Cheltenham suits him because he ran poorly there in the County Hurdle and he was well held when beaten by Dodging Bullets in November. King’s novice chasers have been slightly disappointing of late but this fellow should run well providing the going doesn’t deteriorate too much.
His best form has been on a sound surface but he handles soft ok. Fox Appeal may have been flattered by his second to Wonderful Charm and Mr Mole was not the most reliable performer over hurdles. He is one of several promising rides for Tony McCoy including Carningli who should return to winning ways in the last.
Irving 11-4 William Hill
Raya Star 7-2 Coral
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
