Plenty of top quality horse racing action in the UK this weekend from Haydock and Ascot including several Cheltenham and Aintree contenders.
Ptit Zig has been one of the best novice chasers of the season so far and Paul Nicholls is pitching him in against more experienced rivals in the Betfair Ascot Chase. As we suggested in midweek, 11-4 did not last long but 9-4 still looks a decent price for a horse that has hardly put a foot wrong all season. He has won at Ascot before and there is no reason to desert him at this stage.
The pressure will be on Lizzie Kelly in the opening novice event where she rides impressive Lanzarote Hurdle winner Tea For Two. He won that so easily that his trainer is thinking in terms of taking on the best novices at Cheltenham next month and a victory on Saturday would secure his place. I was disappointed with Arpege D’Alene last time out and expect Miss Kelly to complete the hat-trick.
I’m also keen on the chances of Otago Trail later in the card for Venetia Williams. He destroyed his rivals last time out and is clearly well above average. He could take his chance in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle if he comes through tomorrow’s test with flying colours.
Over at Haydock, I expect to see Top Notch win comfortably in a bitterly disappointing renewal of the Victor Ludorum Hurdle at 1.45. Top Notch races in the same colours as Triumph favourite Peace And Co so it would be no surprise if Nicky Henderson elected to save him for Aintree instead. We put up Benbens earlier in the week at 10-1 and he is still available at 9-1 for the Grand National Trial. I was tempted to support Monbeg Dude but I’m put off by how far he got behind here in 2013. I’m sure he will run a good trial for Aintree nonetheless.
The three-mile hurdle looks wide open but it may be worth taking a chance on Bygones Sovereign at 10-1. He won by 28 lengths at Newbury last time when he stole a march on his rivals. I’d be surprised if the other jockeys allow him so much rope this time but he still races off 10st despite a 13lbs rise in the handicap.
The most popular double of the day has to be Tea For Two and Teaforthree. I was surprised how easily the 2013 National runner-up won over two and a half miles last time and he looked full of himself. I’d expect him to follow up in the last at Haydock.
Tea For Two 1.30 Ascot @4-7 Bet365
Benbens 2.55 Haydock @10-1*
Bygones Sovereign 3.25 Haydock @10-1 Bet365
Ptit Zig 3.50 Ascot @11-4*
Otago Trail 4.20 Ascot @5-4 William Hill
Teaforthree 5.05 Haydock @4-6 Betfair
*Ante-post
