Cairnzy has filled in over the last couple of days. I've had a lack of time and felt a bit burnt out, so it was nice to step away for a few days.
El Cairos didn't look like he was going to compete before he fell at the last, and it was a very underwhelming performance from the 6/4 joint favourite.
Minella Rocket ran a decent race, but considering the money was down for him, I think connections thought he was going to win. He was backed into 15/8 favourite, but had to settle for second place, with Charles Darnay being the winner. The Gredley family always do well with their juveniles, and they might have another decent prospect.
The Gray Ghost 4/1 – Ascot 1.25
On his handicap debut and his second chase start, The Gray Ghost could be up to winning off his mark of 120.
I get the feeling that his run at Uttoxeter was a solid run. I've always felt that Country Mile was going to be a good novice chaser this season, so finishing behind him isn't anything to worry about. The third horse has since won at Cheltenham, so based on the limited amount of form that's on offer, it has worked out nicely so far.
The Gray Ghost did make a couple of errors, but you rarely see a flawless chasing debut. All in all, it was a solid round of jumping, and if he has come on for that run, there's no reason to believe that he won't be better over today's fences, and he'll be fitter.
He was outpaced over two miles last time out, and I think reverting to 2m 5f could be the right idea. He has form over this trip over hurdles, and even though he didn't seem to be the strongest of stayers at the trip, they go slower over fences, so I think his stamina will be fine.
Haas Boy 6/1 (EW, 4pl) – Ascot 2.00
It's crazy to think that Haas Boy is still only a nine-year-old, as I can remember backing him in bumper races when he was trained by Charlie Longsdon. What hasn't changed since those days is that he is a quirky customer, but has the ability to win decent races if he can put it all together on the day.
Chester Williams got the best out of him last season, and he managed to win four races for these connections. He won over today's C&D on his last start over fences, which is always a huge positive. His handicap mark didn't go up too much for that small-margin victory, and I think that has resulted in him having a decent chance.
This race will be run at a solid gallop on fast ground, which should allow him to settle nicely into the race, and then pounce late under a very light racing weight of 10st 4lbs. He does hit the frame when he doesn't win, so I'll play him each-way.
GambleAware