Nicky Henderson: “The step back up in trip will aid her chances and I think there could still be a bit in the tank because she’s very lightly raced”

ASCOT

12:30

Lulamba (Nico De Boinville)

He was ready to run last week but that was called off due to the weather, so he comes here instead, and this looks a good starting point. As I’ve said before, he’s a big fella and if he was from England he’d almost still be in a field now! I certainly don’t think he should be so short in the betting for the Triumph off the back of just one run; he has to go out there and do it before we can even consider doing anything like that. Whatever happens, he’s a nice horse for the future.

 

1:40

Pawapuri (Nico De Boinville)

This is a very competitive race, and we are all obviously here looking for Black Type. She’s in good form, has been working nicely, and will like the drop-back trip.

Unibet are BOOSTING the price of the favourite in this race!

 

2:50

Bo Zenith (James Bowen)

I think an extra half a mile is going to help him judged on what we saw at Cheltenham in December, on what was his first start in quite some time, so I would expect him to come on for that because he’s a big, gross horse. It’s a shame we have to race all these against each other, but unfortunately, due to the recent weather, our hands are tied.

Doddiethegreat (Nico De Boinville)

He has been declared more times than he’s actually run this season, but I quite like the look of this, and while it’s nowhere near as valuable as the Lanzarote Hurdle, it’s still a decent prize, and two and a half around this right-handed track should see him in a good light. I expect him to be competitive off his mark.

Aston Martini (Freddie Gordon)

She’s another who has been all dressed up with nowhere to go and waiting in the wings for quite some time. The step back up in trip will aid her chances and I think there could still be a bit in the tank because she’s very lightly raced.

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE on this race!

 

3:32

Jonbon (Nico De Boinville)

He is the most wonderful servant to us all, and his form is there for everyone to see, so there’s nothing I can add, really. His work has been to its usual high standard, as has his schooling, and I think we are all going to be treated to a magnificent horse race; it really will be fascinating. Many have asked if he would handle the track, but I can’t see any reason why not. He won the Kennel Gate over hurdles earlier in his career and managed the railway fences, going right-handed and racing up a hill at Sandown, so there should be absolutely no issue with Ascot.

---

Please remember to gamble responsibly. Visit our Safer Gambling section for more information, help and advice.