Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 5m 17.35s

Blow Your Wad^t,p⁵⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Freddie Mitchell| T: G & J Moore| OR: 142| D

33/1

Grade 2 novice chase winner in 2023/24 but lightly raced since that season. Creditable third in Sodexo Gold Cup at this course on return and shaped as if still in form here last time but has plenty to find in this contest on first run since leaving Tom Lacey.

Form: 15/55-37

Classic Maestro^p¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Luke Scott| T: J Candlish| OR: 131

125/1

Fine strike rate over hurdles (5-10) and notched second success in this sphere when making all in a small-field Leicester handicap a year ago. Back to best on third start of the current campaign when runner-up in handicap at Sandown 2 weeks ago, but this is a tough ask.

Form: 413-U62

Edwardstone³⁵

Age: 12| Weight: 11-10| J: Tom Cannon| T: A King| OR: 152| D

11/1

Top-class chaser in his prime who has shown that he's still capable of smart form this season, getting back to winning ways in 4-runner Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton 5 weeks ago. Has been a grand servant to connections and he can give another good account.

Form: 354-421

Heltenham^t²⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-10| J: Tristan Durrell| T: D Skelton| OR: 134

50/1

Returned to form final 2 starts last term, running out a wide-margin winner at Perth in April. However, he hasn't kicked on this season, falling for the second start in succession in C&D handicap last month. Looks to be up against it at this level.

Form: 8332FF

Jonbon^p²⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-10| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 166| C

4/9

Has remarkably yet to finish out of the top 2 in twenty-six career starts under Rules, adding to his Grade 1 tally when rallying for a second successive win in the Clarence House here last month. Can benefit from this step up in trip and looks set to make another bold bid.

Form: 212-221

Pic D'Orhy^t⁸⁴

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

5/2

Enhanced his fine Ascot record when winning twice over C&D last season, making it back-to-back wins in this race. As good as ever when runner-up in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby on return, so no surprise to see him bounce back from a below-par effort here last time.

Form: P/11P-23

Forecasts

Jonbon (4/9), Pic D'Orhy (5/2), Edwardstone (11/1), Blow Your Wad (33/1), Heltenham (50/1), Classic Maestro (125/1)

JONBON ended his string of seconds in the top 2m chases with a gutsy success in the Clarence House here last time and, with this longer distance promising to suit, he can go on to land a twelfth Grade 1 victory. He is taken to get the better of Pic d'Orhy, who is respected as he bids for a hat-trick in this race, with Edwardstone the pick of the remainder.