When Shishkin extended his winning streak over jumps to 10 races with a memorable defeat of Energumene in the Clarence House Chase 13 months ago, Nicky Henderson’s gelding seemed poised to dominate the two-mile chase division for several seasons.
Two lacklustre runs later, Shishkin has something to prove as he steps up to two and a half miles for the first time over fences in Saturday’s Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase. It was just about possible to blame the soft ground when he was pulled up in the Champion Chase in March, but he was not travelling like a winner at any stage either there or behind Edwardstone in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December.
Shishkin has had a wind operation since his latest outing but it is still hard to see him as any kind of a betting proposition until he shows some hint of his earlier, dominant form. He also faces a formidable and consistent opponent on Saturday in Fakir D’Oudairies (3.35). Joseph O’Brien’s chaser has already proved his Grade One-winning credentials at two and a half miles and was an impressive victor on good ground at Aintree in April.
Ascot 1.50: Bold Endeavour was not foot-perfect on his way to victory at Doncaster last month but jumped right for much of the way and returns to a right-handed track.
Market Rasen
1.45 Chaos Control 2.15 Notnowlinda 2.45 Kateira 3.15 Martha Brae 3.45 Hiway One O Three 4.15 Elleon 4.45 Crystal Mer
Taunton
2.00 Almost Gotaway 2.30 Dancing Harry 3.00 Dock Road 3.30 Amelia’s Dance 4.00 Killaloan 4.30 Dancingontheedge 5.05 Step Back
Southwell
4.55 Krona 5.30 Monty Man 6.00 Rumnotred 6.30 Seagrave Fox 7.00 Elvenia 7.30 Mintana (nap) 8.00 Dark Side Prince 8.30 Master Grey (nb)
Haydock 2.05: Not the classiest renewal of this Grade Two and Erne River, who kept some excellent company in novice chases last season, is the most solid option and remains unexposed at staying trips.
Ascot 2.25: Revels Hill was a strong fancy for the London National at Sandown in December but was badly hampered at the eighth fence. That was just his seventh chase start and Harry Fry’s gelding has plenty of scope for further improvement, not least if first-time cheekpieces sharpen him up.
Haydock 2.40: Several leading contenders are at their best in hock-deep ground so Tim Pat could offer value at around 10-1. Donald McCain’s seven-year-old has a track-and-trip win to his name last March and finished a close second at Doncaster last month.
Carlisle 1.15 Whitehave 1.45 Altobelli 2.15 Allo Allo 2.45 Silkstone 3.15 Destiny Is All 3.50 Up For Parol 4.25 One Fer Mamma
Lingfield Park 1.30 Uncle Bert 2.00 Getupearly 2.30 Lazy Sunday 3.00 Walk Of No Shame 3.35 Hector Jaguen 4.10 Often Overlooked 4.45 Twilight Glory
Newcastle 5.00 Jubilee Girl 5.30 Evolicatt (nap) 6.00 Level Up 6.30 Canberra Legend 7.00 No Diggity 7.30 Pallas Lord 8.00 Zegos Surprise (nb)
Ascot 3.00: A well-run event race at Huntingdon last month looks as strong as any form on offer here and Whizz Kid, a two-length second to Homme Public there, could turn the tables on the revised terms.
Wincanton 3.12: Knappers Hill put up a career-best performance to win the Elite Hurdle over course and distance in November and his liking for this track and its relative test of speed tips the balance in his favour.
