Our Christmas quiz of the racing year ...
.... will be live at 1pm. Turn up on time for a chance to win tickets to Cheltenham next month. The quiz will appear at the top of our racing front page.
Today’s best bets, by Chris Cook
I have great affection for Finian’s Oscar, having first brought him to the attention of Talking Horses readers a year and three days ago, when he bolted up at Hereford at 11-4. In his eight-race career, that was the only time he hasn’t started favourite.
But I’m not sure he deserves to be favourite at Ascot today, even for a small-field novice chase. It is not even a fortnight since he turned in a really disappointing display at Sandown to be beaten 61 lengths by Sceau Royal.
That step down to two miles clearly did not suit and he should be more comfortable over today’s extra five furlongs. Still, this is a recovery mission of sorts and Bryan Cooper’s first aim will be to get the horse jumping, as he hasn’t looked a natural fences in any of his three starts so far over the larger obstacles. Cooper himself has not seemed at the peak of his powers at times this season.
All in all, I’m happy to oppose with Benatar (2.30) at 9-4. He trailed Finian’s Oscar by eight lengths in a top-class novice hurdle at Aintree in April but now gets 5lb from his rival and already looks a much better chaser than he was a hurdler. It’s also interesting to see Gary Moore’s yard working its way into a bit of form.
It has to be said that the third runner, Dolos, is also a threat. I’m hoping this isn’t one of those occasions when I do the right thing in opposing the favourite but pick the wrong one to do it with...
Whiskey In The Jar (12.45) is surely the wrong price at 7-1 for the opening maiden hurdle, having travelled strongly until needing the run at Bangor three weeks ago. Mind you, you can be pretty sure Dan Skelton will want to beat him with Robin Waters if he can, having had Whiskey In The Jar at his yard last season, when he won a bumper.
The last race at Ascot is a really excellent bumper, which should reward repeated viewing. At 10-1, I’ll happily give another chance to Warren Greatrex’s Portrush Ted (3.40). He ran into a good one at this track last month, when giving weight to Nestor Park and partnered by a 7lb claimer, albeit a useful one. Today’s softer surface should help him.
Tips for all Friday races
Southwell
11.50 Queens Royale 12.25 Barista 1.00 Tilly Devine 1.35 Piazon 2.10 Gabrial’s Star 2.45 Star Ascending 3.20 Swift Cedar
Ayr
11.55 McGowan’s Pass 12.30 Cruachan 1.05 Nortonthorpelegend (nap) 1.40 Uncle Alastair 2.15 Lough Derg Jewel 2.50 Charmant 3.25 Derriana Spirit
Uttoxeter
12.00 Northandsouth 12.35 Chef Des Obeaux 1.10 Catching On 1.45 Freddies Portrait 2.20 Big Picture 2.55 Crank Em Up 3.30 Don Des Fosses
Ascot
12.45 Whiskey In The Jar 1.20 Divine Spear 1.55 Mr One More 2.30 Benatar 3.05 Sky Pirate 3.40 Portrush Ted (nb)
Wolverhampton
5.45 Equilibrium 6.15 Racehorse 6.45 Brigand 7.15 Gracious John 7.45 Frank The Barber 8.15 Ted’s Brother 8.45 Champagne Pink
