Dashel Drasher is a tough horse to pass around Ascot so the fact that last year’s Ascot Chase winner is only fifth-favourite for a repeat success on Saturday is a sign of the quality of the field in this year’s renewal.
He should get a fairly easy time of it in front, however, and while Fakir D’Oudairies is a serious opponent on his Grade One-winning form at Aintree last season, Cheltenham and Liverpool may be his major targets this year.
