15:50 Ascot

Saturday 23 November 2024

All12:2512:5513:3014:0514:4515:2015:50

CopyBet Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:50 | Winning time: 6m 13.55s

Thank You Ma'am^p¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 12-1| J: Miss Olive Nicholls⁽⁷⁾| T: G Nicholls| OR: 116

7/1

Made the frame on several occasions last term and positive start to present campaign, again finding only one too good at Ludlow (21.2f) 16 days ago, pulling clear of remainder. Mark has crept up a little more but he's knocking firmly on the door.

Form: 220P-22

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Spring Gale²¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Harry Cobden| T: H D Daly| OR: 110

14/1

Steadily progressive over hurdles following wind surgery last term, confirming promise of her previous placed efforts when clearing away from 15 rivals in mares' maiden at Chepstow (19.5f) in the spring. Goes handicapping with yard in good form and she's unexposed at 3m.

Form: 7/63231-

Copshill Lad^p⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Paul O'Brien| T: Harry Derham| OR: 109

11/4

Placed on 3 of his 5 starts over hurdles last season and justified support after 9 months off when scoring on yard debut at Stratford (22f) 47 days ago, needing every inch of the trip. Return to 3m in his favour on that evidence and that may not prove his limit.

Form: F322P-1

King Of The Lake^t1³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Rex Dingle| T: J Scott| OR: 108

20/1

Runner-up on 6 of his first 7 starts over hurdles but well below best on final outing last term and fared no better after 6 months off when eighth of 13 in handicap hurdle at Exeter (23.1f) 32 days ago. Needs to leave that behind if he's to figure. Tongue strap fitted.

Form: 32227-8

The Bold Thady^p,t³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Dylan Kidd⁽⁷⁾| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 105| BF

12/1

Fortunate to double his tally at Worcester (23f) in September and whilst he backed that up when runner-up at Wincanton (24.7f) last month, highlighted why he's not one to take short odds about, carrying head awkwardly. This rates an even tougher assignment.

Form: 1P3612

Best Life²³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: N de Boinville| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 104| D

7/1

Steady improver in handful of hurdle starts last season, very good second of 10 behind a subsequent winner on handicap debut at Haydock (24.3f) in March. Totally unexposed over staying trips and he needs considering on return with further progress on the cards.

Form: 41/4932-

Jalisco Star^t¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-10| J: K Brogan| T: L Horsfall| OR: 97

22/1

Good winner from 5 lb lower mark at Bangor (23f) in March and similar form when fourth on return/following wind op at that venue in October. Below best on first try chasing at Carlisle 12 days ago and connections quick to opt for a return to this sphere.

Form: 331P-45

Ri Na Cuirte¹⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: Ben Jones| T: Ben Clarke| OR: 94

11/4

Low-mileage sort who was again very well backed and proved a different proposition after 6 months off to score at Fontwell (25.7f) 15 days ago, conjuring a late rally to nab idling runner-up close home. Possibilities again up 5 lb.

Form: 6628-81

Rubies Or Gold^p1²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-3| J: S Bowen| T: Christian Williams| OR: 90

13/2

Placed on the second of 2 starts in Irish bumpers (for Mags Mullins). Showed some promise on qualifying runs over hurdles but no immediate impact for switch to handicaps in recent months. Further step up in trip ought to suit and first-time cheekpieces could put an extra edge on him.

Form: 785696

Forecasts

Ri Na Cuirte (11/4), Copshill Lad (11/4), Rubies Or Gold (13/2), Thank You Ma'am (7/1), Best Life (7/1), The Bold Thady (12/1), Spring Gale (14/1), King Of The Lake (20/1), Jalisco Star (22/1)

BEST LIFE improved steadily in a handful of hurdle outings as a novice, posting his best effort yet when runner-up on handicap debut at Haydock in the spring. Appealing as the type to progress further this winter, he's given the nod to go one place better on return. Copshill Lad and Spring Gale are a couple of others to consider, whilst market confidence behind Rubies or Gold, upped further in trip/equipped with cheekpieces would also look significant.