The King heads to the Royal track this afternoon and he has what it takes to rule.
ONE TRUE KING (2.25) looks primed to strike on one of Ascot’s big jumping days.
The way he stayed on up the final climb to the line over 2m5f at Cheltenham last month suggested he would appreciate returning to 3m.
The ground was too soft on his only previous attempt at this distance over fences and he should get his favoured conditions today.
His record on right-handed tracks is good and his young amateur jockey James Turner looks decent value for his 7lbs weight claim. Have 2pts each-way at 16-1. Sky Bet is paying out on five places.
PETIT TONNERRE (3.00) should bounce back to form after nearly getting brought down early on in the Lanzarote Hurdle.
His previous second behind Red Risk – touched off in the Lanzarote – was a fine effort and he’s still pretty unexposed after just five starts since arriving from France.
When he first joined Jonjo O’Neill last season his jumping held him back but he was good in that department when runner-up at Newbury in November. Have 1pt each-way at 8-1. Sky Bet is going five places on this race.
Venetia Williams looks to have three good chances in Haydock’s Betfred Grand National Trial.
Fontaine Collonges and Quick Wave both look leading contenders but, at a much bigger price, CLOUDY GLEN (2.40) also has decent claims.
He hasn’t run for more than a year but that is in his favour. His record when returning from a break of six months or more is three wins from four runs.
That includes his victory first time out in the Coral Gold Cup last season. The ground conditions won’t be a problem and his stamina is assured having won the 3m4f Southern National. Have 1pt each-way at 20-1. Plenty of bookies are paying out on five places.
ONAGATHERINGTSTORM (3.18) looks overpriced in the Pertemps Hurdle Series qualifier later on the card.
His two runs this season came over distances a bit on the sharp side for Fergal O’Brien’s hope.
The return to 3m should do the trick and he’s had a breathing operation since he last ran.
The cheekpieces he wears for the first time should also help sharpen him up. Have 2pts each-way at 12-1.
