Ascot United FC Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 4m 2.95s

San Benedeto^p,t²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 150

11/4

Has found his form with a vengeance this spring, rattling off back-to-back wins at Musselburgh and Doncaster and although new high mark asks more, it may just be he's improving quick enough to defy it. Trip and likely ground both ideal and the three-timer is not ruled out.

Form: U31111

Champagne At Tara¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 135

5/1

Tricky customer that needs delivering as late as possible, and got a masterclass of a ride from Aidan Coleman at Leicester two runs back, putting his head in front on the line. Too much on his plate at Cheltenham last time but smaller field here will suit, and with yard in form, not discounted.

Form: 7231P3-

Clic Work^t¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-11| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 135

5/1

Was having a decent season, winning three of his last four until a below par effort at Kempton last time, where he seemed to run a bit flat. May be that the handicapper has him in his grip now, and needs to improve again to be considered a likely winner.

Form: 58-2913

Imperial Presence⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 130

2/1

Beat the improving Doitforthevillage at Newbury last time out, jumping well and finding plenty for pressure late on. Handicapper hasn't overreacted and with little pace in the race, may be left alone up front again. Has to be taken seriously and may be improving at the right time.

Form: 47-2551

Red Devil Star^t⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-0| J: Jack Sherwood⁽³⁾| T: Miss S Smith| OR: 123

5/1

Beat Champagne At Tara a neck here in December (2lb worse off here) but mixed efforts since, and weakened rather quickly when fifth to Imperial Presence at Newbury latest. May bounce back at a track he clearly likes but improvement needed regardless.

Form: 31U254

Non-Runners

Un Prophete²⁹

Weight: 10-2| Age: 6

T: Miss V Williams J: Charlie Deutsch

Ardmayle²⁷

Weight: 10-0| Age: 5

T: A Stronge J: G Sheehan

Forecasts

Imperial Presence (2/1), San Benedeto (11/4), Champagne At Tara (5/1), Red Devil Star (5/1), Clic Work (5/1), Un Prophete (6/1), Ardmayle (8/1)

This looks set up for IMPERIAL PRESENCE to lead these from the front and after a good display at Newbury last time, the others can't afford to give him too much rope. He jumped well there and looks a horse on the up. San Benedeto faces a stiffer task here but in such good form, can't be discounted, whilst the ever-tricky Champagne At Tara can hold on for the bronze.