Nico de Boinville: “My horse has really progressed this season since being upped to 3m”

2.25pm Ascot

Impose Toi

It may lack a stand-out from a form perspective but this is a strong renewal of the Long Walk, with depth. I’d like to think we have as good a chance as any though, as my horse has really progressed this season since being upped to 3m. He is 6lb worse off for the ½ length he beat Strong Leader at Newbury last time, so this is clearly his toughest assignment yet, but I thought he did it nicely there and hopefully there is more to come from him.

3pm Ascot

Hyland

He has run two fair races this season in competitive, big-field handicaps but he will have to up his game if he is to be winning this. He has come down 4lb for those two efforts though, and 3m on decent ground is what he wants. I can see him running well if we don’t get any more rain.

3.35pm Ascot

Joyeuse

Another competitive handicap and there are plenty to fear in here. Joyeuse returns to hurdles after two chase starts this season and we know she is talented in this sphere, as that wide-margin Newbury win and Cheltenham sixth in the mares’ hurdle last season underlined. This is a tough race and a mark of 140 makes life difficult, but hopefully she will give a good account of herself.

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