Racing Tips: Saturday 19 2022

Racing Tips: Saturday 19 2022

15:38 Ascot – Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1)- Saint Calvados

The King George VI Chase 3rd caught the eye in his first run for new trainer Paul Nicholls on Boxing Day. After a wind op and the application of a tongue tie, he was in with every chance at the 2nd last when he faded. The winner, Tornado Flyer, was the horse that was delivered the latest in stamina-sapping heavy ground, so there was no shame in fading two furlongs from home. This race represents a step down in trip by three furlongs, with Dashel Drasher likely to increase the pace quite far from home. This could recreate the conditions in which he ran so well at Kempton. He is also likely to get his favoured soft conditions.

14:20 Gowran Park – Red Mills Trial Hurdle (Grade 3) – Teahupoo

Has beaten the reigning Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios in his last two starts. The latest meeting between the two was a much closer affair, but both times Quilixios kicked for home and this horse outlasted him in the closing stages. They will also carry the same weights here as in their previous clash, where Quilixios appeared a much improved horse from their first race of the season. With confirmed form over a Cheltenham Festival winner from last season, Teahupoo has five wins from six starts, and has reversed the form of his only defeat to Jeff Kidder. Teahupoo also holds an entry in this season’s Champion Hurdle, which shows how highly he is thought of by connections. Darasso probably represents his strongest challenger and is coming off his best victory over hurdles, winning a grade three ahead of well respected runner Saint Felicien. However, with only the two starts over hurdles prior to this defeat, it might be the case that this Saint Felicien was slightly unexposed, despite still being a quality runner. Saldier also runs here, and has winning form ahead of Darasso. He isn’t without a chance with grade one winning form under his belt. He is coming off the back of heavy defeats to top class opposition that were ran at a fast pace, which can take it out of a horse and Teahupoo has great stamina. 

14:40 Haydock – William Hill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Blaklion

with two wins from three starts this season, 13 year old Blaklion claimed both victories in chases at Haydock on heavy ground. With heavy going particularly testing at Haydock, it can take a specialist to win there in such conditions. Weight carried will play a factor and Blaklion will carry 5lbs less than his previous success here. The most notable type in the lower weights is the 2020 Welsh National winner Secret Reprieve. However, Secret Reprieve’s form at Haydock reads 2nd of two runners and fell. There are other promising types in the lower weights, some with form on heavy going, but Blaklion has run well in three Grand Nationals giving him better jumping efficiency that could prove the difference. It would also prove a popular success for a fan favourite who appears to have regained some good form after going winless since 2017.

15:30 Gowran Park – Red Mills Chase (Grade 2) – Daly Tiger

Returns over fences for the first time since finishing a respectable 2nd to classy two miler Energumene by just over eight lengths, with the winner easing down at the line. This horse then claimed an ungraded victory over hurdles at Limerick on Boxing Day, before finishing a disappointing 4th of five runners last time out. The going report at Gowran park reads soft to heavy, with more rain expected before the off. This horse has winning form ahead of Chatham Street Lad on heavy ground over fences. His only victory this season also came over this distance of two and a half miles on heavy ground. Current favourite Melon is stepping down in class and has always ran well in defeat in top class company but hasn’t got his nose in front since December 2019. Recent victories are scarce in this field. Other than this horse’s win over hurdles on Boxing Day, Chatham Street Lad is the most recent winner over fences, a grade three at Limerick in March.