Rory Delargy

ASCOT SATURDAY

1.50 SODEXO REYNOLDSTOWN NOVICES’ CHASE (2M 7F 180Y)

Drumacoo showed plenty of promise over the smaller obstacles for Michael Hourigan, and bettered that form on debut for Ben Pauling when beating Fletchers Flyer at Huntingdon when tackling fences for the first time. The point-to-point recruit didn’t get much credit for that win with Value At Risk falling and the runner-up seemingly below his best. It’s possible that the winner was full value for that demolition job, and even a conservative view of the form gives him every chance of following up.

Given his profile, it would appear that further progress over fences is almost inevitable, and he makes considerably more appeal that the well-touted Vyta Du Roc, who will appreciate stepping up in trip here, but nonetheless ought to have beaten the underachieving Bouvreuil at Doncaster last time, and is still some way short of his hurdles form in this sphere.

2.25 APPLETISER 50 YEAR CELEBRATION CHASE (2M 7F 180Y)

Both Bally Beaufort and Waldorf Salad tend to race from the front, but with the former looking lazy more than once of late, there is a decent chance that Venetia Williams’ sound-jumping lightweight will be able to wrestle the early advantage without working too hard, and if so he will be hard to peg back. The trainer has an excellent record with her handicap chasers at Ascot, and while Waldorf Salad may not have the class of Sausalito Sunrise, he can get the better of that rival in concession of plenty of weight, with an aggressive ride the key to exposing the vulnerability of his rivals. The topweight is respected, but he didn’t really enjoy a slog behind O’Faolains Boy at Newbury in December, and might be better back on a better surface, even if this run isn’t just needed.

3.35 BETFAIR ASCOT CHASE (2M 5F 8Y)

Silviniaco Conti and Dynaste set the standard here, but it’s debatable whether either will ever get close to the form which saw them finish first and second in last season’s King George, and it’s probably true that Flemenstar is the one who deserves top billing on more recent form. Antony Curran deserves credit for getting the veteran back to something like his best this term, and he’s run very well in defeat behind Djakadam and Felix Yonger either side of his fortunate win in the Paddy Power “So Quick, So Easy iPhone App” Chase at Christmas.

There is a danger that the merit of that performance has been lost entirely among the debate over Un de Sceaux’s fall, and while we know there is no improvement to come from the 11-year-old, he need only run to the same level to play a major part. The longer trip is a positive if anything, and it’s somewhat surprising to see him languishing in the middle of the betting forecast. With doubts over his soundness now cast aside, and in a field where several are on retrieval missions, he looks a spot of value, even if Friday’s standout 10/1 with Ladbrokes evaporates as expected.

HAYDOCK SATURDAY

2.05 BETFRED “HOME OF GOALS GALORE” HURDLE (2M 6F 177Y)

At Fishers Cross seems to have turned a corner since blinkers have been fitted, but I struggle with him on two fronts – he’s not won a race out of novice company despite his big reputation and he comes from a yard which is still struggling for consistency in results this winter. Silsol and Reve De Sivola both disappointed over fences last time, and while they could easily bounce back, are opposable on balance, and the pair who make most appeal are One Track Mind and Deputy Dan. The latter was a selection here for the Welsh Champion Hurdle before that meeting was abandoned, and I’m loath to desert him, but we’ve not seen anything like the best of One Track Mind yet, and he can prove himself a top-class stayer on his way to Punchestown in the spring.

Andy Weller’s son of Flemensfirth looked in a little trouble before beating San Benedeto at Newbury in December, but jockey Gavin Sheehan blamed the need for a mid-race reminder on a lack of concentration, and reckoned he had plenty to spare. That would need to be the case if he’s to win at this level, but he’s always been held in the highest regard by Warren Greatrex, and he should start repaying that faith this weekend before graduating to the top table.

2.40 BETFRED GRAND NATIONAL TRIAL (3M 4F 97Y)

Haydock may not be the galloping track it was in its pomp, but this marathon trip in heavy ground will still take some getting and proven stamina is a must. Mountainous has every chance having won the Welsh National in equally grueling conditions, but there is a niggling doubt about his ability to reproduce that run given the attritional nature of that race, as was the case when turned out quite quickly after his first win in Chepstow’s staying showpiece. His trainer nominated the Eider as his probable target just a week ago, so this has the look of an afterthought.

He’s still worthy of consideration, but marginal preference is for Rigadin De Beauchene, who would have played a part in the finish of Warwick’s Classic Chase a few weeks ago but for being knocked over by the wayward and riderless Sego Success. That run marked him down as being in top form, and the fact that he avoided a battle in the straight should mean he’s still fresh enough for another crack at this prize, which he won in 2014.

Harry The Viking has the beating of several of these on his second place a year ago, and he has the bonus of a lightweight to carry in the ground. Unlike most, he appears to have little chance of making the Aintree cut, and this may be his best chance of a valuable prize this season, so he won’t want for fitness. He is worth including in forecasts and a win would be well received as the same connections sadly lost another stalwart in the shape of Neptune Equester at Kelso during the week.

RECOMMENDED

WALDORF SALAD, 11/4 (Paddy Power) 2 point win

FLEMENSTAR, 10/1 (Ladbrokes) 1 point win

ONE TRACK MIND, 10/3 (various) 3 point win

RIGADIN DE BEAUCHENE, (William Hill) 1 point win