Paul Ferguson has three more selections for us on Friday, all at Ascot; Rock On Ruby (12.25); Iona Days (1.00); Surfing (2.10)
With a big price secured about Oscar Whisky in the Ladbroke Hurdle, I’ve got my fingers crossed that Ascot’s card on Saturday will go ahead, but before that I’m also hoping the Berkshire track passes an 8am inspection on Friday as the opening day of the two-day fixture is equally fascinating.
Nicky Henderson unleashes exciting French recruit Surfing (2:10) in the Grade 2 Noel Novices’ Chase and the four-year-old is taken to score on his British debut.
A faller on debut, he doesn’t come without risks, but he was very impressive on his second chase start at Auteuil, before a mistake at the second last cost him his chance in Grade 3 company last time.
This looks competitive, but if there is a star in the line-up, Surfing is most likely to be that star.
Earlier on the card Rock On Ruby (12:25) is fancied to land the second division of the maiden hurdle.
Paul Nicholls’ triple bumper winner seems to improve from race to race and he can score at the first time of asking over timber, in what looks another competitive affair.
The day’s third and final selection is Iona Days (1:00) despite the fact his form figures wouldn’t inspire much confidence.
Henrietta Knight’s youngster caught my eye in the parade ring at Aintree earlier in the season, where he ran well for a long way in a race won by Cue Card.
He subsequently shaped well again for a long way in a decent Ludlow maiden hurdle and looks the sort to improve considerably now he goes chasing and in handicap company.
Earlier in the season, he held every chance when coming down at Fontwell, a track where he finished second in a bumper on debut last term.
He may want further in time, but is worth a small investment off a reasonable looking mark of 105.
Friday’s selections:
12:25 Ascot Rock On Ruby
1:00 Ascot Iona Days
2:10 Ascot Surfing
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Last year’s selections included:
Hurricane Fly: 3/1 winner of the G1 Rabobank Champion Hurdle
Copper Bleu: 12/1 winner of the Jewson at Cheltenham
Great Endeavour: 18/1 winner of the Festival Plate
Tranguil Sea: 11/2 winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup
Sizing Europe: 6/1 winner of the Arkle
Weapon’s Amnesty: 10/1 winner of the RSA Chase
