GOOD form on the two-mile, one-furlong chase track at Ascot is usually a big asset to take into a race run on the two-mile, one-furlong chase track at Ascot. Boothill won the Byrne Group Handicap Chase at Ascot in early November last year, then came onto the Lay & Wheeler Hurst Park Chase on this day last year and, racing off a 6lb higher mark, won that as well.

Frere D’Armes and Triple Trade filled the minor places behind Boothill in today’s race last year, and they are both back today to try to improve their respective positions. Triple Trade went back to Ascot again afterwards last season, and, at the Long Walk Hurdle meeting just before Christmas, and stepping up to two miles and three furlongs, he won nicely.