Major Drama
Forget about Happy Valley, Line Of Duty or Grantchester, the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase has more likely suspects set to line up than any of them. In Fakir D’Oudairies, Shishkin and Pic D’Orhy we have the reigning champ, the vanquished hero and an in-form pretender to the crown. Throw in Grade 1 winners First Flow and Millers Bank, as well as talented northern raider Aye Right, and we look set for some unmissable drama.
The 2m5f chase has a history of being won by some of the greats of jump racing. One Man, Kauto Star and Cue Card all have their names on the roll of honour. The battle to join them on that illustrious list will be played out on Ascot’s magnificent course on Saturday.
Some of the country’s top novice chasers will also get the chance to shine at the Royal track. The Grade 2 Bateaux London Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase is one of the supporting races, with some competitive handicaps also in prospect.