The Sodexo Gold Cup is the second of two Premier Handicap Chases in the latest Ascot preview as jumps racing returns to Berkshire on Saturday, 2 November.
Supporting that 3m feature contest is another £100,000 race in the 2m 1f Byrne Group Handicap Chase. The £60,000 Lavazza Handicap Hurdle slots in-between the Premier Handicaps over fences.
This meeting is always competitive with horse racing betting sites enjoying decent turnover because of the field sizes. Let’s take a look at the key events from the card.
Ascot Preview for Saturday, 2 November
2:05 – 2m 1f Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
Course and distance winner Martator ended last season on a high with a hat-trick, but he’s 12lb higher than when successful here in March as a result. Venetia Williams needed to get a few runs into him before he started delivering.
Topweight Master Chewy won first time out over fences last season. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ runner has a career high mark of 154 to contend with here, however, after just getting chinned by Found A Fifty at Aintree in the spring.
Keiran Burke enjoyed a couple of winners towards the end of October, so new recruit Madara could well resume the fine progress he made for Sophie Leech in races like these last term.
At bigger prices, however, Paul Nicholls’ MATTERHORN might be worth forgiving his blip last time out. Prior to pulling-up at Newton Abbot, he was four from five over fences and the yard have won this race three times since 2014. That number includes two horses also sporting the same silks as Matterhorn.
Nico de Boinville is a more than able deputy in the saddle as Harry Cobden goes up to Wetherby races for the Charlie Hall Chase. Matterhorn likes the forecast good ground and the substitute jockey has won on him before.
3:15 – 1m 7.5f Lavazza Handicap Hurdle
Withdrawn at Cheltenham when he got loose last weekend, Ben Pauling has stable jockey Ben Jones back on board now. Fiercely Proud is well found on the best betting sites in the UK here, but for good reason.
Although connections fancy a serious tilt at the Greatwood Hurdle in a fortnight’s time, he looks really well-handicapped already. Fiercely Proud Grade 2 Dovecote second around Kempton has already been advertised by the winner landing the Welsh Champion Hurdle this autumn.
Secret Squirrel finished in front of the selection at Sandown on the final day of last season. He goes well right-handed for Hughie Morrison. Although 1lb off at the weights with Fiercely Proud, he should go well.
Also lurking on an attractive mark is Nicky Henderson’s mare Break My Soul. Good ground is fine for her and a 16lb rise for minor wins at Chepstow and Fontwell in the spring isn’t as savage as it first appears.
Cornering has been an issue for Fire Flyer, one of two in the race for Paul Nicholls. Instead, the race-fit and in-form Stream Of Stars could make a bold bid for a fifth win in six starts under positive tactics.
Although the oldest in the line-up aged nine, Twiston-Davies’ charge has made up for lost time. It’s worth mentioning Suzy Smith runner Tapley, second in the Swinton at Haydock in May, who has also had a recent run and win.
3:45 – 3m Sodexo Gold Cup (Premier Handicap)
Amirite has often been talking up for big staying handicaps like this and travels over from Ireland for Henry De Bromhead. Mike O’Connor takes the ride and 3lb off with his claim.
Sam Thomas’ Welsh raider Our Power, successful in this in 2022, returns from a lengthy lay-off caused by a fall in the Coral Gold Cup. Of those with a recent run, Neon Moon only has 4lb more on his back than when landing his return to action at Chepstow for David Pipe and Jack Tudor.
Also of interest in our Ascot preview of the big race is the well-weighted and hat-trick seeking Hidden Depths. Sam Twiston-Davies is free to take the ride for Neil Mulholland after having a suspension reduced on appeal. Lightly-raced Tom Lacey chaser Highstakesplayer is also worth a closer look.
