Ascot Saturday preview: What the trainers say
L'Homme Presse is taking part in the Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase at Ascot. The seven-year-old was an impressive winner of the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham in March. He drops back to two miles and five furlongs on his seasonal bow. L'homme presse was beaten by Ahoy Senor at Aintree on the final start of last season. His connections hope it will be the first step towards a Gold Cup challenge. Saint Calvados is also making a return to action. He is owned by amateur jockey David Maxwell. Paul Nicholls' string is in fine form. It should be on good to soft ground by Saturday.
Henderson will make a late call on Constitution Hill's intended return to action on Saturday. The Seven Barrows handler has long since identified the Coral Hurdle as the intended starting point for his potential superstar. Constitution is favourite for the Champion H hurdle after a faultless novice campaign which ended with a 22-length success in the Supreme at Cheltenham in March. Heavy rain eased conditions on Wednesday, but the official going dried back to good to soft. An area of the track will be watered overnight. Henderson will walk the course tomorrow before making a decision. Nico de Boinville, jockey, will arrive before Henderson.
Edwardstone is making his seasonal reappearance a week later than planned. The eight-year-old was the star of the novice chasing division last season. Edwardstone was due to return to Prestbury Park for last Sunday’s Shloer Chase, but was taken out on the morning of that race due the drying ground. Paul Nicholls-trained Thyme White is 7lb higher in the weights than when impressing over the course and distance three weeks ago. Harry Fry”s Boothill and the Emmet Mullins- trained So Scottish also feature in a competitive affair. Nicholl's is well represented across the card, kicking off with Ivaldi in opening raceshare.com Racehorse Shares From £39 Novices‘ Hurdle.
Ascot Saturday is taking place on Saturday. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s. National Gambling Helpline is on 0808 8020 133.
