The first Grade One hurdle of the British season was won by an 11-year-old and the second could be heading the same way with Champ and Paisley Park, between them the winners of the Long Walk Hurdle for the past three years, both in the field for the latest renewal at Ascot on Saturday.
Champ was a disappointing favourite behind a resurgent Paisley Park when this race was switched to Kempton’s Boxing Day card in 2022, but he won with something to spare two years ago and his success in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November 2022 showed that he is still capable of high-class form. Nicky Henderson’s gelding also has an excellent record on his first run back after a break, and has had a wind operation since has last outing at Aintree in April. If that helps Champ (2.25) to rediscover something close to his best form, he could be more than a match for Saturday’s field.
Haydock 1.30 Given that she was returning from 21 months on the sidelines, Eleanor Bob showed more than enough when fourth behind Famous Bridge over course and distance in November to suggest she retains the ability she showed as a novice in 2021-22. A four-length win off 114 was the pick of her form that year and she is only 4lb higher in the weights here.
Ascot 1.50 Triple Trade was third behind Boothill at the last meeting here under a 5lb penalty for a success the previous weekend, but shaped as though another win off a similar mark would not be beyond him given an extra couple of furlongs, so this two-mile-two trip could prove ideal.
Haydock 2.05 The form of the Class Two conditions hurdle at Cheltenham’s November meeting is working out well, with the winner, Blueking D’Oroux, taking a Grade Two event next time out and Spirit D’Aunou (4th) landing a valuable handicap at Sandown earlier this month. Bois Guillbert was just under eight lengths back in third and returns to handicapping just 5lb above his mark when successful at Kelso in October.
Ascot 3.00 Blackjack Magic was an impressive winner on his return to action in the Badger Beers Chase at Wincanton and looks more than capable of defying a 6lb rise in the ratings.
Lingfield Park 11.40 Storymaker 12.15 Kodiac Thriller 12.50 It’s Not Risky 1.25 Measured Moments 2.00 Sassy Redhead 2.35 Masterclass 3.10 Mr Trick
Haydock 11.45 Chti Balko 12.20 Inedit Star 12.55 El Elefante 1.30 Eleanor Bob 2.05 Bois Guillbert 2.40 Real Stone 3.15 Ballymagroarty Boy
Newcastle 11.55 Raffles Wonder 12.30 Prince Nino 1.05 Jet Legs 1.40 Nocte Volatus 2.15 Montregard 2.50 Six One Nine 3.25 She’s Notjoeking
Ascot 12.40 Scamallach Liath 1.15 Solo 1.50 Triple Trade (nb) 2.25 Champ 3.00 Blackjack Magic 3.35 Moveit Like Minnie (nap)
Ascot 3.35 The last race in Britain before the brief Christmas break, and many punters will be banking on one of Nicky Henderson’s two runners to fill the coffers for Boxing Day. Iberico Lord, the favourite, has been raised 8lb for his win in the Greatwood at Cheltenham while stablemate Impose Toi has been hiked 10lb for his latest success, and both could be vulnerable to an under-the-radar rival. Altobelli and Hansard are improving too, but at the prices, Moveit Like Minnie could be an excellent each-way bet at around 25-1. The six-year-old is on a hat-trick after two wins at lesser venues, recording a decent time in both, and Finn Lambert’s 5lb claim all but cancels out his latest 6lb rise.
