The top-rated two-mile chaser in training takes on the most improved performer in the division in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot today and Thistle Ask (3.30) feels overpriced at around 7-1 to take the step up to Grade One company in his stride.
Thistle Ask has made remarkable progress since joining Dan Skelton’s yard for just £11,000 in May, winning his first start for his new stable off a mark of 115 and completing a four-timer off 146 in the Desert Orchid Handicap Chase at Kempton’s Christmas meeting.
The opposition there was a long way short of the three high-class rivals he will face on Saturday, but the visual impression of Thistle Ask’s frontrunning, 10-length success was backed up by a strong time figure and the form pushed his Timeform rating to 162, within 6lb of last year’s winner, Jonbon.
Harry Cobden, who was announced this week as JP McManus’s new No 1 rider in Britain and Ireland from the start of next season, rides Jonbon for the first time on Saturday, but while the 10-year-old remains wonderfully consistent, recent runs have suggested that he may be just a little past his best.
Il Etait Temps, the hot favourite, is clear top of the ratings and unbeaten since his novice season, but Thistle Ask is improving rapidly and at the odds he is simply too big to continue his improvement and upset the favourite.
Haydock 1.25 Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star has been flawless in two starts over hurdles this season and should cement his position towards the top of the betting for the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Ascot 1.40 La Conquiere remains unbeaten after two starts over hurdles without being in any way extended and looks more than ready for this step up in class.
Haydock 2.00 A frontrunning duel is in prospect between Myretown and Konfusion and that could play into the hands of the strong-travelling Johnnywho, who stayed on well into third over a couple of furlong less at Ascot last time.
Ascot 2.20 Joe Tizzard’s Scarface bounced back from a below-par run at Newbury in November to finish a close second to the reopposing Etalon at this track last month. On 4lb better terms and, perhaps more significant, over an extra couple of furlongs, he is a fair price at around 6-1 to reverse the form and notch a second course success.
Lingfield 11.30 Lord Mayor 12.05 Karismatique 12.40 Justcallmepete 1.15 Morrophore 1.55 Factual 2.30 Watermelon Sugar 3.05 Em Jay Kay 3.40 Riyadh Gem
Ascot 12.25 Winston Junior 1.00 Kap Vert 1.40 La Conquiere 2.20 Scarface (nap) 2.53 Came From Nowhere (nb) 3.30 Thistle Ask 4.05 The Burren Man
Haydock 12.15 Throatlash 12.50 Brentford Hope 1.25 Old Park Star 2.00 Johnnywho 2.35 Dalston Lad 3.10 Brookside La 3.45 Kykorock
Taunton 12.55 Harbour Island 1.32 Heron In The Park 2.05 Newmill Getaway 2.43 Jaipaletemps 3.15 Celtic Art 3.50 Faitque De L’Isle 4.20 Prairie Diamond
Southwell 5.00 Ernie’s Valentine 5.30 Maskatto 6.00 Pink Socks 6.30 Secret Road 7.00 Venetian Prince 7.30 Ay Gee Ell 8.00 Mr Nugget 8.30 Mademoiselle Belle
Haydock 2.35 The potential improver is Dan Skelton’s Dalston Lad, who was off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles at Sedgefield last time out and looks sure to appreciate this step up to three miles.
Ascot 2.53 The step up to this trip triggered significant improvement by Came From Nowhere at Hereford in December and a 7lb rise may not be enough to prevent a follow-up.
