1.50pm Ascot Tips & Betting Preview 04/11/2017

1.50pm Ascot tips for Saturday’s Class 3 race. The ITV4 action on Saturday kicks off with a highly interesting Novices’ Handicap Chase, with several big yards represented. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: Some very useful types go to post here including the promising Benatar and the prolific winner Bagad Bihoue, but the fact that Sam Twiston-Davies prefers stable-mate COPAIN DE CLASSE speaks volumes. He didn’t hang around over hurdles for Paul Nicholls, making all at Wincanton in March ahead of a horse who has won twice since over fences. He is the type to make a much better chaser and with conditions to suit, he should be very tough to beat.

1 BAGAD BIHOUE – Prolific winner for Paul Nicholls who was almost certain to win at Fakenham on his latest start when unseating three out. He now switches into Handicap company off a mark of 142 which does demand further progress and he can only be given each way claims.

2 BENATAR – Promising sort for Gary Moore who was progressive over timber last season, finishing a close fourth in a Listed race at Aintree back in April. He is the type to make a much better chaser and he’s a huge danger with conditions to suit.

3 SPACE ODDITY – Improved well towards the end of last season for Harry Fry, winning three times earlier this year. He won a Beginners’ Chase two starts ago before a similar display in Novices’ company when last seen. Conditions will suit and he’s well treated on his hurdling form, so he holds each way claims.

4 COBRA DE MAI – Has won four of his last six starts, three of which have come over fences for Dan Skelton. Off today’s mark though he was well held at Cheltenham on his latest start, never involved and things get no easier here. Hard to fancy in a race full of smart ones.

5 DUKE STREET – Made his chasing debut at Worcester two starts ago when finishing third behind two horses who are useful in their own right. He was entitled to need that and starts off in Handicaps on a workable mark. Today’s trip may be on the short side, though.

6 COPAIN DE CLASSE – Didn’t hang around over hurdles for Paul Nicholls, making all in great style at Wincanton on his final hurdling start. He will make a far better chaser and there is much more to come from him, so he should have too much potential for these as he goes well fresh.

7 BALLINURE – Won two of his three chasing starts, beating some useful horses when making all at Stratford two starts ago. He was disappointing when last seen over hurdles and he won’t be given a soft lead here, so his claims aren’t obvious on this occasion.

8 I SEE YOU WEL – Bottom weight who found himself twenty lengths behind Space Oddity at Newton Abbot on seasonal debut. He remains with potential but he faces a stern task in this race and others are readily preferred.