FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES is the right favourite to double Ireland’s tally in the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase (3.38) at the Queen’s racecourse.
Not since Sound Man captured the second running for Edward O’Grady in 1996 has the two-mile, five-furlong prize been exported across the Irish Sea.
But Joseph O’Brien has a strong candidate in the JP McManus-owned seven-year-old, twice a winner at the highest level, including a breathtaking 11-length romp in the top-level Melling Chase at Aintree’s Grand National fixture last April.
