Racing fans have a final opportunity to boost their Christmas funds this weekend with a high-class card from Ascot, headlined by the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle. The feature race sees Crambo attempt to join the elite company of Big Buck's and Reve De Sivola by securing a third straight win in the contest. However, his two starts this season have been below par, and he must rediscover his best form to triumph in what promises to be a competitive renewal.
Weather and Form Pose Questions for Feature Race
The conditions add another layer of uncertainty to the Long Walk Hurdle. Forecasters now predict less rain than initially expected, which could result in ground described as just on the soft side of good by Saturday. With several imponderables surrounding the favourite, many shrewd observers are looking elsewhere on the card for ante-post value.
Victtorino Poised for Historic Hat-Trick Attempt
The spotlight then turns to the Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase at 3.00pm, where Victtorino aims to emulate Crambo's hat-trick quest. The gelding has won the last two renewals of this Ascot showpiece and is fancied to deliver festive gold once more.
Trainer Venetia Williams’s yard is now hitting its stride after a slow start to the season, and this race has long been a key target for the horse. Victtorino’s seasonal reappearance came, as last year, in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. While his performance this time did not reach the heights of twelve months ago, the run should have served as an ideal fitness booster.
His formidable record at the Berkshire track is a major plus, having secured victory in four of his five starts there. The most recent of those wins came off his current handicap mark of 146, suggesting he is feasibly weighted. With stable form improving, it is difficult to envisage him not being in the thick of the action at the finish.
Odds of 5/1 appear more than fair, considering he was sent off as the 5/2 favourite for his successful defence last year. He is expected to shorten in price come race time.
Searching for Value in the Festival Handicap
The day's finale, the Ascot Rotary Club Festive Handicap Hurdle (3.35pm), could feature the highly-touted Alexei, who would carry top-weight in pursuit of a third consecutive win following his Greatwood Hurdle success. However, conceding significant weight in a tough contest is a stern task, and connections may opt for the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day instead.
With the market leader, Mondo Man, not inspiring total confidence, value may lie elsewhere. Faivoir is an intriguing each-way proposition at 16/1. Dan Skelton’s ten-year-old ran a fine race to finish third behind Alexei in the Greatwood on only his second start after a near two-year absence.
Prior to his break, he was beaten a nose in the Imperial Cup off a mark two pounds higher than he races off here and subsequently ran creditably in the County Hurdle. He has proven form at Ascot and is adaptable regarding ground conditions. With regular rider Heidi Palin claiming a valuable seven pounds, he represents solid each-way value.
Saturday Pointers:
- Victtorino (each-way) – 3.00pm Ascot
- Faivoir (each-way) – 3.35pm Ascot
