The Grade 2 Noel Novices’ Chase is the feature race on the day at Ascot on Friday across a competitive six-race card. GG tipster Joe Napier has provided his best bets throughout the day at the Berkshire venue, including in the feature race itself.
Ascot Racing Tips (Friday 19 December)
Ascot’s card on Friday features the Grade 2 Noel Novices’ Chase, won by the likes of Politologue, Pic D’orhy and Djelo in the past decade. One of our three selections on the card comes in that contest too.
1.50 Ascot – Stencil (1pt win – 10/3)
This will surely be a four-runner affair with Bluey having run on Thursday, so what is striking about the two favourites, Excelero and Vanderpoel, is that they are both keen-going front-runners at their best. One or the other may be ridden with more restraint, but even if they do not take each other on, this should be run at a decent gallop which should set the race up nicely for Stencil. The four-year-old never quite delivered on his promise last season, but is evidently well regarded by connections in France having been sent off favourite for the Fred Winter at Cheltenham when right towards the top of the handicap. However, there is talent there, some of which was seen when second to East India Dock in the Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial last season, and also when fifth in the Arkle Trial won by July Flower on his chase debut last month. A mark of 135 should be workable in time and if mature enough, the 6l age allowance he gets could really come in handy here.
2.25 Ascot – Let It Rain (1pt win – 3/1)
It is far from a given that Let It Rain will prove a lot better than a mark of 120, but that certainly seems lenient given the potential Dan Skelton’s mare has. She was a comfortable winner of a Listed bumper at Ascot during this meeting two years ago and made a promising start to her hurdles career, bumping into French Ship, who has done wonders for the form since, at Chepstow. Third that day was the now 128-rated chaser Newton Tornado, who was 15 lengths behind, while Let It Rain then won as she liked when sent off 2/9 at Wetherby. That was over a year ago and she made awkward shapes over her final two hurdles, but the engine is clearly there for to step up through the grades. She is one of only two rides on the card for Harry Skelton and she could have too much class for this contest.
3.00 Ascot – No Questions Asked (1pt win – 13/8)
There is a chance that both Jax Junior and Steel Ally were flattered by their victories last time against useful opponents, with Jeriko Du Reponet far from the finished article against the former, and Unexpected Party likely in need of at least that first run back against the latter. Both will likely have to prove very useful to get the better of No Questions Asked, a likeable winner over course and distance on his return, then travelling like the winner for most of the Grade 2 John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury. He probably got to the front too soon that day, ultimately getting outstayed by Britain’s best Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase hope, and the slight step back to 2m3f, coupled with slightly more patient tactics, may well make him hard to beat.
Ascot Friday Best Bets
1.50 Ascot – Stencil (1pt win – 10/3)
2.25 Ascot – Let It Rain (1pt win – 3/1)
3.00 Ascot – No Questions Asked (1pt win – 13/8)
FAQs: Ascot Racing Tips
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.
When were the Ascot Horse Racing Best Bets published?
The tips for the Christmas Horse Racing Best Bets were published at 2.50pm on Thursday 18 December.
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