*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Shishkin is set for a blockbuster clash with last year’s winner, Fakir D’Oudairies, in the Ascot Chase.
Nicky Henderson steps the dual Cheltenham Festival scorer up in trip after flopping in the Tingle Creek last time out, but he faces a real test of his credentials against Joseph O’Brien’s stable star, who has bagged a number of Grade 1s over two-and-a-half miles.
The progressive Pic D’Orhy, Millers Bank, First Flow and Aye Right complete the field for the Ascot Chase at 15:35 on Saturday, and the race should offer plenty of clues for the Ryanair Chase after intermediate-distance king Allaho was ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival.
Ascot Chase odds can be found on the Paddy Power website, Paddy Power app or via our snazzy betting widgets, otherwise Timeform’s horse-by-horse guide to the runners and betting tips from the racing boffins are below.
Ascot Chase tips
Timeform: SHISHKIN edged out Champion Chase hero Energumene in a thrilling Clarence House here last winter and is well worth another chance to confirm himself a chaser right out of the top drawer over this longer trip having undergone a wind op since coming in only third in the Tingle Creek on his return. Last year’s winner Fakir D’Oudairies rates the chief threat to Nicky Henderson’s charge ahead of the improving Pic D’Orhy and reliable First Flow.
Ascot Chase runners
Aye Right
Trainer: Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford Jockey: Ryan Mania Age: 10 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Very smart chaser who comes here on the back of a solid fourth of 11 in Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby in December. Winless since 2021 Rehearsal Chase however.
***
Fakir D’Oudairies
Trainer: Joseph Patrick O’Brien Jockey: J. J. Slevin Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Top-class Irish chaser who took this contest 12 months ago. Looked a fortunate winner of Thurles Grade 2 last month when Haut En Couleurs fell last but that was still a high-class effort and he’s firmly in the picture.
****
First Flow
Trainer: Kim Bailey Jockey: David Bass Age: 11 Weight: 11st 10lbs
High-class chaser who resumed with good third to Pic ‘Orhy in Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon in December. Reliable sort and a course winner too so he can’t be totally dismissed.
***
Millers Bank
Trainer: Alex Hales Jockey: Jonathan Burke Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Grade 1 novice winner who confirmed himself a very smart chaser when runner-up in Huntingdon Grade 2 in December. Faced a stiff task when well held in King George VI Chase at Kempton last time and this also looks a tough ask. Has undergone breathing surgery.
**
Pic D’Orhy
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Improving chaser who bids for a four-timer after all-the-way wins at Newton Abbot, Huntingdon (Peterborough Chase) and Kempton (Silviniaco Chase) this term. Might not get his own way in front here but still highly respected.
***
Shihskin
Trainer: Nicky Henderson Jockey: Nico de Boinville Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Made it 7-7 over fences with fine win in Clarence House here last January. Pulled up in Champion Chase at Cheltenham though and went with little fluency when only third in Tingle Creek at Sandown in December. Has since had wind op and now tongue tied. One to beat at this longer trip if back to best.
*****
Read These Next
- Gallop over to Paddy Power News for all the latest horse racing tips
- When is the Ascot Chase? Ascot date, start time, runners and betting
- Ascot Chase trends for Saturday’s 3.35pm as Shishkin takes on Fakir D’Oudairies
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