Grade 1 action lights up the Ascot Racecourse this weekend, as Jonbon returns to the track in his final race before likely heading to the famous Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Alongside the featured Ascot Chase is the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase, as well as some typically competitive handicaps, including the Swinley Chase.
So, check out some more horse racing betting tips for this weekend’s action at Ascot, and all latest horse racing odds are available to view on NetBet Sport – including antepost options for Cheltenham!
Written by Jake Wilkes
*All odds are subject to change
13:50 – THOMAS MOR – WIN | 19/20
When looking through the past winners of this race, it became clear you need a strong stayer and a horse capable of running to a rating in the high 140s. While the three rivals may reach this level in time, the experience and ability of Thomas Mor will likely be too much come Saturday. His second behind Kitzbuhel in the Kauto Star Novices Chase is by far the best piece of form on display and a return to Ascot, where he is 2-2, ensures he sets a high standard.
14:25 – LIGHTNINGUPOURDAYS – EW | 13/2
In a very competitive class 2 handicap hurdle, I am taking a chance on Lightningupourdays, who moves up a grade after his recent third at Hereford, resulting in an attractive racing weight of 10 stone 4. His latest run looks a strong piece of form and a switch to a more galloping track will likely favour him, as he does hold form over slightly further than Saturday’s two-mile three furlongs trip. if Jurancon gets back to anywhere near his best, then he will surely be competitive – and the likes of Act Of Authority and Captain Teague ensure a decent standard will be needed to win a race of this nature.
15:00 – JOYEUX MACHIN – EW | 33/10
I thought Joyeux Machin was interesting at a bigger price during the week, and seeing the market support only boosts confidence. He was in the process of running a big race at Doncaster when falling and if that hasn’t left his mark, he should run well in a race that doesn’t shape as the strongest. He is surely better than a mark of 133 and ran a big race off 2lb higher last season at Uttoxeter. Of his rivals, Jipcot probably provides the biggest threat for an inform O’Neill team.
15:35 – JONBON – WIN | 13/25
This is exactly the sort of race Jonbon can mop up as he enters the veteran years of his career. Whilst I believe he is vulnerable to a superstar, there is nothing of that calibre in here, and with an intermediate trip looking more suitable, he looks set to win a 12th Grade 1. Of his rivals, Pic d’Orhy should obviously be respected having won this race on the previous two renewals, and he rates as the favourites biggest danger. My feeling is he’s better on a faster surface which he won’t get this weekend, so we’ll side with the short odds Jonbon to get the job done.
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