When Willie Mullins had a live runner in the Hennessy Gold Cup recently, great play was made of the fact that he had not won a handicap chase in Britain since Hedgehunter’s Grand National almost a decade ago. While that is an interesting stat, Mullins has had some success in British handicap hurdles and could bag another valuable one through Clondaw Warrior (3.30) in the Ladbroke at Ascot.
This seven-year-old joined Mullins this year, having shown flashes of ability for Shark Hanlon, and has rapidly built on that promise. Having won the November Handicap on the Flat at Leopardstown, he crossed the Irish Sea and was a fine third in Cheltenham’s Greatwood Hurdle last month.
Given the way that race developed after a slow early pace, he did really well to finish so close to two quality animals who had raced more to the fore from the outset. Clondaw Warrior has been raised in the weights as a result but remains at the foot of the handicap here, should be in the argument once more and is backable at 9-1.
At the other end of the weights, Bayan, another Irish raider, is also respected, having run second in the Galway Hurdle when last seen over obstacles. His trainer, Gordon Elliott, won the Ladbroke two years ago.
1.50 Ascot
Lancetto won this last year and finds himself just 4lb higher for the repeat attempt. He seems to go well around here and, although cuffed 19 lengths by Croco Bay last time, he beat everything else in the race by eight lengths.
2.05 Haydock
Three miles on heavy will turn this into a real slog, so Fill The Power is interesting but preference is marginally for Howard’s Legacy. Trained by Venetia Williams, he outstayed a confirmed mudlark on soft going at Bangor and was then a good third under a big weight at Ascot.
2.25 Ascot
The memory remains of how impressive Reve De Sivola was in this contest last year but his form has been in decline ever since and he trailed Zarkandar by 18 lengths in France last time. Zarkandar hasn’t won in Britain since April last year but this looks a good opportunity and he is reported in rude health.
2.40 Haydock
It is hard to oppose the progressive novice Taj Badalandabad, whose only defeat so far came when the ground was insufficiently soggy. This is his handicap debut and his rating is not obviously lenient but he should have more to give, now that he is stepped up in distance.
3.00 Ascot
The fascinating factor here is whether The Young Master can win, carrying an extra stone for his Badger Ales success at Wincanton, even though he was subsequently disqualified for ineligibility. Given the way he pulled clear of a large and talented field that day, he has every chance of remaining competitive, having been given a good break since. He should have more to offer at the age of five, whereas most of his rivals appear exposed or limited. Houblon Des Obeaux loves Ascot but it will be impressive if he can run to his best so soon after a gruelling effort in the Hennessy.
