Irving (tipped at 11-4) gave us a profit on the opening day of Ascot’s Ladbroke Hurdle meeting. He may have had a race on his hands had Prince Siegfried stayed on his feet but there is no doubt he is Cheltenham material. Coral are offering 16-1 about him for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in March so I’m taking some of that before it disappears!
It seems that nobody has a clear opinion on the Ladbroke itself with the bookies now offering 9-1 the field! We could even have 10-1 the field tomorrow until they move in to shorten up the favourites. I don’t see any reason to desert Dell Arca (10-1) whilst Flaxen Flare should also give us a run for our each-way money at 16-1.
The pick of the supporting card is the Ascot Silver Cup in which Triolo D’Alene reappears after his Hennessy triumph. Barry Geraghty triggered a few sniggers amongst the racing hacks when suggesting a rise of 3-4lbs would be fair after Newbury. The handicapper wasn’t fooled for a moment and has lumped on 11lbs tomorrow.
The French import was always travelling well that day and the result wasn’t in doubt from the moment they turned in. I fully expect him to run well tomorrow but I’m swayed towards Houblon Des Obeaux who is now 3lbs better off with a horse that he beat by nine lengths here last time. It’s a case of my head ruling my heart as Venetia Williams’s horse is also 13lbs better off with Triolo D’Alene for Newbury.
My concern is that Houblon Des Obeaux may have lost his form a little but the evidence suggests that he loves Ascot. He was also second to Rocky Creek here last season as a novice and looks good value at 4-1 with everything in his favour. Having backed Triolo D’Alene for the Grand National, I’ll be delighted if he jumps around in second or third before taking a break until the spring.
The Long Walk Hurdle has lost a lot of interest with Celestial Halo having to be withdrawn through injury. At Fishers Cross may have struggled to beat him here but has a much easier task now and it will be disappointing if he cannot pick up Reve De Sivola and Salubrious.
I cannot get excited about the Haydock card. The Tommy Whittle Chase used to be extremely competitive but this looks a poor renewal and is best left alone.
Houblon Des Obeaux 4-1 Bet365
Ante-Post – Irving 16-1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 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.
