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.
Having begun his campaign with an easy score in the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase in November, my selection has finished behind Willie Mullins’ star Allaho at Punchestown and Thurles on his last two starts.
Mark Walsh’s mount won’t cross swords with a horse of that calibre and, with plenty of give in the ground set to play to his strengths, Fakir D’Oudairies should bring his class to bear.
TIME TO GET UP holds strong claims in the William Hill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (2.40) at Haydock.
The Jonjo O’Neill-trained nine-year-old holds an entry at Aintree on April 9 yet isn’t eligible to run, having had one too few runs over fences.
JP McManus’ son of Presenting has packed plenty into his lightly campaigned career, arriving late on the scene to land the Midlands Grand National by a length from Mighty Thunder last March.
Time To Get Up didn’t shine over the National fences in the Grand Sefton Chase in December, trailing in last of 11 finishers behind Mac Tottie.
It’s likely my selection didn’t take to the famous obstacles, while the move back to two miles and five furlongs would not have been in his favour.
Three and a half miles in heavy ground and regulation fences will be much more to his liking.
After landing the Grade 2 William Hill Rendlesham Hurdle (2.05) 12 months ago, THIRD WIND gets the vote to repeat the feat.
Although last of seven to finish in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot a week before Christmas, Hughie Morrison’s eight-year-old put up a better effort when third to Sporting John in a handicap hurdle at Warwick five weeks ago.
Another step forward would see Tom O’Brien’s partner mount a stern defence of his title.
On the Ascot Chase undercard, top weight FIDDLERONTHEROOF rates the one to beat in the greatbritishstallionshowcase.co.uk Swinley Chase (2.25).
He came within half a length of giving Colin Tizzard a third success in the Ladbrokes Trophy – and probably would have won but for being hampered by the fall of Remastered.
Under the circumstances, a 5lb rise in the weights was to be expected and shouldn’t stop another bold show.
Victorious in two of his three outings over timber this season, ZACONY REBEL has untapped potential as he takes on 12 opponents for the Dingley’s Promise Handicap Hurdle (3.00).
The Grade 2 Bateaux London Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (1.50) lacks a standout and DOYEN BREED, sent down from the Scottish Borders by Sandy Thomson, gets the vote after a second to Threeunderthrufive at Warwick last time out.
At Wincanton, Goshen seeks to rack up back-to-back wins in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Kingwell Hurdle (3.20), however preference is for ADAGIO.
On the back of a wind operation, the David Pipe trainee ran a fine second under top weight to West Cork in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November.
He has more to offer on his eighth attempt over obstacles.
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