Many will suggest that the jumps season starts with the
Paddy Power Gold Cup – or at least the jumps season proper – but those who
enjoy the bigger obstacles should be more than satisfied with Ascot’s card tomorrow,
which includes one of the first real big handicap chases of the season, in the
United House Gold Cup (3.40).
It’s obvious to pick out Muirhead as the one to beat but it
would be a major letdown if there wasn’t more to come from him after his easy
Munster National win – even enough to defy a 15lbs rise – and he should be able
to reward each way support at the least.
Noel Meade’s formerly classy hurdler can boast a Grade 1 win
and has bumped into the likes of Solwhit, Brave Inca, and Hurricane Fly, while
also coming second to Khyber Kim in his time. He’d proven disappointing over
fences before his Munster National win but if jumping as well again it’s hard
to see him being beaten.
Admittedly it’s no gimme with plenty pitching in there but
it’s tricky to find others that make more appeal than him, although it could be
that Phillip Hobbs holds the cards with his pairing of Quinz and Balthazar
King, with preference for the former despite the latter having race fitness
(and a good win it was too) on his side, with the vote of Richard Johnson – in the
winners on last Saturday’s card at Chepstow with a big race double – swinging the
vote.
Quinz’s progress last season should need no introduction –
For those who aren’t up to speed, he romped home in Novice Chases before
finding things too good at Cheltenham, but then bouncing back to win the Racing
Post Chase in the style of a good horse. His poor run in the Grand National can
be put down to him being a sick horse and if he’s ready to go then it’s got to
be worth a chance he can handle a mark of 153 here.
Bideford Legend is obviously better off at the weights with
Muirhead but he was beaten very easily that day, while Promising Anshan has a
bit to prove in this class despite coming from a top yard. Air Force one is
good enough but won’t be ready, Quilinton would be interesting at his best (he
was back to form hurdling) and more interesting is Razor Royale, who would be
thrown in on his previous season’s form.
In the other races, Alasi should really win the Mares’
Hurdle at Wetherby (2.15) and win it well based on her best form last season
but best odds of 13/8 don’t really tempt that much to make her a selection on
the page.
Advice
1 pt each/way Muirhead, 3.40 Ascot (13/2 Stan James, 13/2
general)
1 pt each/way Quinz, 3.40 Ascot (10/1 Boylesports, Blue Sq,
888Sport)
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