Ascot and Wetherby take centre stage over jumps this weekend, with the headline act of the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase supported by the Grade 2 West Yorkshire Hurdle, the Listed Montagu Mares’ Hurdle and a number of competitive handicaps at Ascot.
With the National Hunt season now well under way, here are some contenders to keep an eye on this weekend who’ll likely be racing at the Cheltenham Festival.
13:45 Wetherby – Montagu Mares’ Hurdle (Listed)
Kateira
Kateira won this race last season by some 28 lengths, albeit beating an off-colour Golden Ace in what turned out to be a non-event. She then showed next to nothing in four subsequent starts, before being well backed for the Coral Cup.
She wasn’t disgraced in that event, finishing a 12-length sixth behind the impressive six-length winner, and I suspect the yard will plot a similar path for her again this season from a lower mark.
14:18 Wetherby – West Yorkshire Hurdle (Grade 2)
Take No Chances
Take No Chances has been a model of consistency for the Skeltons throughout her career, with five wins to her name among a whole host of placed efforts. She was second in this race last season before finishing third in two competitive events, en route to a fourth in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Having finished third in that race the season before, I suspect she’ll be campaigned in a similar manner once more, with Cheltenham very much on the agenda.
14:55 Wetherby – Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2)
Handstands
The Charlie Hall has historically been a race that’s seen its winners go on to win King Georges, Betfair Chases and Gold Cups, though the quality of the British staying chaser has undoubtedly diminished in recent years.
That said, I do wonder whether Handstands could be campaigned with the Gold Cup in mind. The Getaway gelding was an exceptional novice in both spheres, beating last year’s Gold Cup runner-up Jango Baie twice in the process.
His foray into open company was a mixed bag last season, as his two creditable placed efforts were sandwiched between two lesser efforts, the latter when pulling up in the Ultima. However, there is the suspicion that he has plenty more to give over fences for Ben Pauling, and if he can get him right this season, I suspect connections will have lofty aspirations.
14:00 Ascot – Sodexo Live! Handicap Chase
Martator
The 14:00 at Ascot features a number of horses who could line up in the Grand Annual come March, not least last year’s winner Martator. He was given a 5lb rise for that success, but he remains well handicapped on older form, and I suspect he’ll be campaigned with March in mind, particularly given the blinkers are missing.
Boothill
Boothill was 13 lengths behind Martator in eighth in the Grand Annual, but he shaped well for a long way there and looks very well handicapped this season. He was rated 20lb higher this time last year, and if campaigned for Cheltenham this season, he could prove to be very well in.
14:33 Ascot – Sodexo Live! Regal Encore Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
Califet En Vol
The Sodexo Live! staying handicap chase often throws up a number of candidates for the Ultima, and Califet En Vol could be one this season. The suspicion is he’s yet to hit the heights he’s capable of over fences, but his form is still strong.
He was second to subsequent Grade 1 winner Sixmilebridge on his chase debut, before a solid effort behind Miami Magic and Grade 1 runner-up Regents Stroll next time out. He looks well handicapped off 139 on that evidence if he can put it all together, and the step up to three miles could eke out that improvement.