Betfair Ascot Chase: runner-by-runner preview and free tip for Saturday’s feature

Waiting Patiently wins The Betfair Ascot Chase from Cue Card

Six runners have been declared for Saturday’s Betfair Ascot Chase and it’s particularly pleasing to see two Irish raiders take their chance. Adrian Wall assesses each runner here and provides you with a free tip!

1. Blue Lord
Jockey: JJ Slevin
Trainer: Willie Mullins

Three-time Grade 1 winner over fences but his best days are well behind him since last tasting success at the Leopardstown Christmas festival in 2022. He hasn’t looked a winner in waiting for some time and looks well up against it.

Blue Lord

Analysis

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2. Corbetts Cross
Jockey: Mark Walsh
Trainer: Emmet Mullins

Bolted up in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season before finishing third in the Bowl at Aintree. Failed to fire in the King George but his trainer has reported he has him back to his best. He can win this before going on to take his chance in the Gold Cup.

Corbetts Cross

Analysis

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3. Flegmatik
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Trainer: Dan Skelton

Four-time handicap winner over fences dipped his toes into Grade 2 company once before and came up miles short. Ran well in a C&D handicap in January but would be a shock winner.

Flegmatik

Analysis

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4. L’Homme Presse
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
Trainer: Venetia Williams

C&D winner was no match for Pic D’Orhy in this contest last year but he looks an improved horse this term, third in the King George before landing the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham when last seen. Merits respect for in-form yard.

L'Homme Presse

Analysis

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5. Le Patron
Jockey: David Noonan
Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore

Rose through the ranks early last season, landing a hat-trick over fences, starting off with a handicap win off 113 and culminating with Grade 1 success at Sandown in December. Impressed with a win off 146 at Newbury on his return and is a player here if he can bounce back from poor December Gold Cup effort.

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CLAIM

6. Pic D’Orhy
Jockey: Harry Cobden
Trainer: Paul Nicholls

Fine record around here and built on a runner-up finish in this race two years ago when winning it in style last year. Good comeback win over C&D in November and he has been saved for this.

Pic D'orhy

Analysis

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Verdict

Pic D’Orhy and L’Homme Press could be closely matched this year but Irish raider Corbetts Cross might have their measure. Don’t rule out a big run from Le Patron.