1.50 Ascot, Sodexo Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase, 2m 7f 180y
Ms Parfois has won her last three outings and was very impressive at Warwick when beating Duel At Dawn and Big River, who has done well since. After the tragic recent loss of Anthony Honeyball’s stable star Fountains Windfall, victory here would be a big boost for the South Somerset yard. Favourite Black Corton has had an unbelievable season, but on a couple of occasions has been slightly fortunate, in my view, to win. That’s not to take anything away from the horse and Bryony Frost’s achievements but I want to take him on as an odds-on shot and Ms Parfois is my selection.
2.20 Lingfield, Betway Spring Handicap, 5f 6y
I’m backing Brother Tiger in this interesting contest on the all-weather. The nine-year-old is a course and distance winner, likes Lingfield and I think is better over the minimum trip rather than six furlongs, which he took on last time out when fourth at this track. From stall one, he can get in a good position and will be a hard horse to beat.
3.00 Ascot, Ascot Spring Garden Show Handicap Hurdle, 2m 3f 58y
I want to give Le Patriote another chance. His last outing at Cheltenham in January where he finished fourth was an odd race. The first two got off to a flyer and were never pegged back. Dr Richard Newland’s six-year-old ran over 2m 5f in the Lanzarote the time before and switched back to the minimum trip at Prestbury Park. Saturday's trip, effectively 2m 3f, will be ideal. His most recent outing didn’t go to plan and whilst on Saturday Le Patriote is taking on well-handicapped horses, I’m going to tip him again. This horse does have a bit of boot so better conditions could help here and Cheltenham was one of those races I'm prepared to put a line through.
3.35 Ascot, Betfair Ascot Chase, 2m 5f 8y
I think Waiting Patiently is a huge talent and would be an emotional winner for Ruth Jefferson, a day after the funeral of her much-respected father Malcolm. It was great to see her saddle her first winner at Kelso on Thursday with Cyrus Darius landing the Timeform Morebattle Hurdle. In terms of latent talent, Waiting Patiently is right up there. In what is a brilliant renewal of the Betfair Ascot Chase, he should be favourite in my book and is a confident selection.
- Oli is is hosting Saturday's coverage on ITV 4 taking in top quality action at Ascot and Haydock. Alice Plunkett will take the reins on The Opening Show at 9.30am before live coverage gets under way at 1.30pm.
