14:05 Ascot

Friday 19 November 2021

All12:2012:5513:3014:0514:4015:1515:50

Events At Ascot Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 5m 25.31s

Red Risk³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 142

6/1

French recruit who scored on second start for this yard at Ludlow in February 2020. Good third at Market Rasen on return last month though did fail to build on reappearance last season.

Form: 31/35U-3

Smarty Wild¹⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 134| D

4/1

Useful hurdler and better form over fences, off the mark at Kempton (20.5f) in January. Encouraging return at Newbury 2 weeks ago, not beaten far despite early exuberance. One for the shortlist.

Form: 43153-5

Yes Indeed¹⁸⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 142

6/1

French recruit from the family of top-class chaser Top Notch. Progressive form and beaten just over 7 lengths when fifth in a Grade 1 at Auteuil when last seen in May. Fascinating contender.

Form: 3712-15

Lust For Glory^p1¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 129

18/1

Twice a winner over fences last season but well held since and refused to race on return 2 weeks ago. Headgear applied.

Form: 413P6-R

Pink Legend²¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 129| D

15/2

Winning start over fences at Bangor on last season's return and responded well to headgear when ending campaign with listed handicap win at Cheltenham. Headgear left off for this reappearance.

Form: F24221-

Pilbara¹⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Charlie Hammond| T: Miss S Smith| OR: 127

33/1

Career best when winning 4-runner handicap chase at Fontwell (21.6f, good to soft) in October but failed by a long way to repeat that at Exeter 17 days ago and this even tougher.

Form: 0-22P1P

Flegmatik²¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 127

18/5

Fairly useful 2m hurdler who scored on chase debut on return last season, though failed to build on that subsequently. However, on a fair mark and drop back in trip will suit. Off 7 months.

Form: 15P445-

Guy³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 127

16/5

Much improved sent chasing last season, landing 2½m handicap at Huntingdon on return. Another step forward when runner-up at Market Rasen on reappearance this time around and he's a major player.

Form: 5/1234-2

Forecasts

Guy (16/5), Flegmatik (18/5), Smarty Wild (4/1), Red Risk (6/1), Yes Indeed (6/1), Pink Legend (15/2), Lust For Glory (18/1), Pilbara (33/1)

YES INDEED was progressive in France and he's potentially on a fair mark on his British debut given he was beaten just over 7 lengths when fifth in a Grade 1 at Auteuil in May. GUY shaped really well when runner-up at Market Rasen on his return and should have more to offer, while Smarty Wild is another who made an encouraging return.