Identifying the best horse in today’s feature race at Ascot is easy. Sprinter Sacre is the most talented steeplechaser since the 60s, according to those hard-working ratings experts at Timeform.
But can it be a good idea to back him at odds-on for his first race after a heart scare? We can all remember his brilliance but it is 21 months since he last won a race. Doubtless he is here to win if he can but you may also be sure that Barry Geraghty will look after him if there is the smallest sign of weakness.
Denman was beaten 23 lengths when he made his own comeback from heart problems and, although he often ran to a very high level, he won just once from nine starts thereafter. Sprinter Sacre is now nine, which makes him pretty senior for top-class two-mile chasing; since this race was made a Grade One, all seven winners have been younger.
Dodging Bullets, from the Paul Nicholls stable that continues to mop up this season’s big prizes, is the obvious alternative but it was a weak Tingle Creek that he won and his form has generally deteriorated after New Year. So Twinlight (3.00) is the suggested alternative at 6-1.
He was most disappointing in a lesser race at Kempton this time last year and there is an unappealing inconsistency to his form but Twinlight produced a career best to win a Grade One at Leopardstown over Christmas. The quality of his jumping that day would be a big help if reproduced here.
1.50 Ascot This race last year produced what remains Carole’s Spirit’s only defeat over hurdles but she was a good second to a fine winner and should be able to give weight all round to this opposition.
2.05 Haydock The New One is the outstanding talent here and he has held his form on bad ground in the past.
2.25 Ascot Willem is an interesting ex-French type who could prove ahead of the handicapper but Le Mercurey is preferred, having been dropped 5lb for his only outing in Britain, when he may have been some way short of peak fitness.
2.40 Haydock This is a great opportunity for Carraig Mor, who seemed on his way to running a fine race in the Feltham when unseating Noel Fehily over Christmas.
3.15 Haydock It looked as if Benbens failed for want of stamina in the Welsh National but he went well for a long way before finishing fifth. He has been dropped a couple of pounds and could be suited by this shorter race on a flatter track. Broadway Buffalo is probably better than he showed at Wetherby.
3.35 Ascot A first-time tongue tie, coupled with a switch from blinkers to visor, could revive the fortunes of Ackertac, who had a 7lb claimer aboard when stuffed in both starts this season but is now reunited with Richard Johnson. He has run three good races over these fences and is 4lb below the mark from which he was beaten a neck at the 2013 Festival.
