Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:36 | Winning time: 5m 16.21s

Aye Right⁵⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: Ryan Mania| T: H Graham & G Rutherford| OR: 154| D

66/1

Very smart chaser who comes here on the back of a solid fourth of 11 in Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby in December. Winless since 2021 Rehearsal Chase however.

Form: 139-2P4

Fakir D'Oudairies²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 164| CD

7/4

Top-class Irish chaser who took this contest 12 months ago. Looked a fortunate winner of Thurles Grade 2 last month when Haut En Couleurs fell last but that was still a high-class effort and he's firmly in the picture.

Form: 2115-21

First Flow⁷⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 158| C

18/1

High-class chaser who resumed with good third to Pic 'Orhy in Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon in December. Reliable sort and a course winner too so he can't be totally dismissed.

Form: 166/13-3

Millers Bank⁵⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: J J Burke| T: A M Hales| OR: 155WS

14/1

Grade 1 novice winner who confirmed himself a very smart chaser when runner-up in Huntingdon Grade 2 in December. Faced a stiff task when well held in King George VI Chase at Kempton last time and this also looks a tough ask. Has undergone breathing surgery.

Form: 15-U226

Pic D'Orhy^t³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 162| C| D

3/1

Improving chaser who bids for a four-timer after all-the-way wins at Newton Abbot, Huntingdon (Peterborough Chase) and Kempton (Silviniaco Chase) this term. Might not get his own way in front here but still highly respected.

Form: 31P-111

Shishkin^t1⁷⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 174| BF| CWS

2/1

Made it 7-7 over fences with fine win in Clarence House here last January. Pulled up in Champion Chase at Cheltenham though and went with little fluency when only third in Tingle Creek at Sandown in December. Has since had wind op and now tongue tied. One to beat at this longer trip if back to best.

Form: 11/11P-3

Forecasts

Fakir D'Oudairies (7/4), Shishkin (2/1), Pic D'Orhy (3/1), Millers Bank (14/1), First Flow (18/1), Aye Right (66/1)

SHISHKIN edged out Champion Chase hero Energumene in a thrilling Clarence House here last winter and is well worth another chance to confirm himself a chaser right out of the top drawer over this longer trip having undergone a wind op since coming in only third in the Tingle Creek on his return. Last year's winner Fakir d'Oudairies rates the chief threat to Nicky Henderson's charge ahead of the improving Pic d'Orhy and reliable First Flow.