NAP: La Bague au Roi – 15:40 Wetherby
La Bague au Roi won four of her five starts last season, making up into a likeable novice chaser, and she can land this big prize now having won twice at this meeting in the past.
Her wins over fences include the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton and the Flogas Novices’ Chase at Leopardstown, and she ran to a similar level when chasing home the very smart Kalashnikov in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree on her final start to round off an impressive campaign.
She is back up in trip today – which will very much suit – following a seven-month break, and should have more to offer in this sphere this term.
Next Best: Kapgarry – 13:20 Wetherby
Kapgarry lost his way towards the end of last season, but shaped as though back in form on his chasing debut at Warwick in September, finishing third in a novice handicap following five months off, and should be all the better for that run here.
He looks the type to do well over fences – Irish point winner – and the drop back in trip should suit nicely here. He gained his maiden victory under Rules at this track over a year ago and can make that advantage count to get back to winning ways.
Each-way: Ardmayle – 14:45 Ascot
Ardmayle built on his promising third at Sandown in some style when winning in emphatically back there last time, avoiding mistakes and forging clear from two out to win by 16 lengths. He is just 5 lb higher in the weights now and must rate as a major player if able to transfer his recent chase form back to timber.
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