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A field of eight runners have been declared for Saturday’s Ascot Chase – the final Grade 1 in the United Kingdom before next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
Dashel Drasher will attempt to defend his title after scoring in last year’s contest but the Ascot lover is not the only former winner set to run as Waiting Patiently claimed the honours back in 2018.
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The sole Irish representative is Fakir D’oudairies, who won this season’s Clonmel Oil Chase and is the highest-rated runner in the race.
You’ll find Timeform’s analysis of all eight horses plus an early tip from the racing boffins below.
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Dashel Drasher
Trainer: Jeremy Scott Jockey: Rex Dingle Age: 9 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Landed this contest 12 months ago (third C&D win) and he comes here on back of short-head second to Two For Gold at Lingfield (22f) 27 days ago. Tough sort who can’t be discounted in follow-up bid.
Fakir D’oudairies
Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien Jockey: Age: 7 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Top-class Irish chaser who scored impressively at Clonmel in November. Good second to Allaho in Grade 2 at Thurles last time given he made a bad error at the first. Goes well in the mud. Big player.
Fanion D’estruval
Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 7 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Arrives on the up, taking winner at Newbury before excellent second in handicap over C&D last month. Back up in grade but not to be underestimated with yard in flying form.
Lostintranslation
Trainer: Colin Tizzard Jockey: Brendan Powell Age: 10 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Back on track after wind surgery when Grade 2 winner over C&D in November. Well-held fifth in King George VI Chase at Kempton only run since though, so he has a bit to prove once more.
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Mister Fisher
Trainer: Nicky Henderson Jockey: James Bowen Age: 8 Weight: 11st 7lbs
High-class chaser who regained winning ways in Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton (20.5f) by 1¾l from Eldorado Allen. Firmly in the picture if his jumping holds up.
Saint Calvados
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 9 Weight: 11st 7lbs
High-class chaser who returned from wind surgery (also tongue tied first time) with good third in King George VI Chase at Kempton on his first run for Paul Nicholls. Needs considering.
Two For Gold
Trainer: Kim Bailey Jockey: David Bass Age: 9 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Tough and reliable chaser who made it 2-2 this term when edging out Dashel Drasher in Lingfield conditions event last month. Meets that rival on 6 lb worse terms here though, so more is required.
Waiting Patiently
Trainer: Christian Williams Jockey: Jack Tudor Age: 11 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Top-class chaser in 2018 (C&D scorer), but winless since and he was pulled up on his stable debut in Betfair Chase at Haydock in November. Has serious questions to answer at present.
Ascot Chase Tips
Top-class Irish chaser FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES was an impressive winner of Aintree’s Melling Chase when last seen on these shores in the spring so he looks the way to go given he also handles the mud really well. Fanion d’Estruval represents the all-conquering Venetia Williams and is feared most, although King George VI third Saint Calvados and last year’s victor Dashel Drasher should also have a say.
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