A solid day of competitive racing lies ahead, featuring plenty of difficult puzzles for punters to get stuck into.
2:40 Ascot – WOODHOOH (1/1 generally)
This year’s Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle looks a fascinating renewal, and the one they all have to beat is Gordon Elliott’s rapidly improving mare WOODHOOH. A winner of seven in a row last season, she delivered a superb victory in the ultra-competitive Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, quickening smartly under pressure to score by four and a quarter lengths. She then produced another top-class performance at Aintree, finishing just under three lengths behind the outstanding Lossiemouth.
On ratings and proven Grade 1 form, she’d likely be favourite even off level weights , yet she receives weight from every rival here, further enhancing her already strong credentials. She also won first time out last season, and conditions should be ideal.
Celtic Dino is a smart rival with form that’s working out nicely, but it would still be disappointing if the mare can’t account for him under these favourable terms.
3:00 Haydock – HAITI COULEURS (7/2 generally)
The first Grade 1 of the English season looks a much stronger renewal than last year, with the first two home returning and several exciting, progressive chasers joining the lineup. Grey Dawning is undoubtedly the class act and, with his fluent jumping and travelling style, will likely look the winner for much of the race. Even so, I can’t shake the memory of how he was beaten last season, cruising upsides Royal Pagaille on the bridle yet unable to put the veteran away when it mattered. Having backed him that day, it was a bitter disappointment.
With that in mind, I’m siding this year with the Rebecca Curtis trained HAITI COULEURS. He enjoyed a superb campaign last season, landing both the National Hunt Chase and the Irish Grand National, and I love the way he races prominently, applying pressure through accurate, efficient jumping. Those tactics should serve him well again under the champion jockey.
A winning reappearance at Newbury means he has fitness on his side, and his toughness and honesty are impossible not to admire. Haydock’s sharp, turning nature wouldn’t be his ideal scenario but I expect him to make it a real test of stamina and draw the sting out of his main rivals.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
2:40 Ascot – WOODHOOH (1/1 generally)
3:00 Haydock – HAITI COULEURS (7/2 generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 5:10pm Friday 21st November
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
