Horse racing tips: Templegate’s big 4-1 NAP looks well-handicapped in fascinating race at Ascot

TEMPLEGATE tackles a cracking Saturday of racing confident of building the bank just in time for Christmas.

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DYSART ENOS (3.35 Ascot, nap)

She rose through the novice ranks last season but is still on a fair handicap mark and tanked along before the lack of a run told last time. She is well up to this standard provided it doesn’t get too testing.

FAMOUS BRIDGE (2.05 Haydock, nb)

He won this race in the mud 12 months ago and has every chance again from just 2lb higher in the handicap. Nicky Richards’ stayer looked promising on comeback at Kelso last time and should be spot on for his cup final.

STRONG LEADER (2.25 Ascot, treble)

He can live up to his name provided the ground doesn’t get too testing. He has smart form in decent ground including when winning the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle in April. He returned with a smooth win at Newbury and has more to come.

Templegate’s TV verdicts

ASCOT

1.50

IROKO was a massive eyecatcher when second at Haydock on comeback last month. He was a mile back turning for home but made up ground quickly to go down by half a length. He’s been placed at Grade 1 level and stays well so can go one better here.

Jungle Boogie was going nicely until a late mistake in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and looks a threat, especially if the ground eases. Henry De Bromhead’s horses are going well.

You can’t discount the other two either as Fil Dor has run well in some hot contests last time although his win at Thurles last time was a 1-40 farce.

James Du Berlais took a tumble at Punchestown in May on the back of an excellent second in the Topham over the National fences. He likes this trip and wouldn’t be a shock winner.

2.25

STRONG LEADER can live up to his name provided the ground doesn’t get too testing. He has smart form in decent ground including when winning the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle in April. He returned with a smooth win at Newbury and has more to come.

Crambo has never been beaten first time out and won this race 12 months after a layoff. There’s no doubt this is the time to catch him and he’ll make another bold bid.

The Wallpark seems to be improving with every run and beat a useful field at Cheltenham last time out in October. He saw out this trip up the hill so won’t lack for stamina with Gordon Elliott’s horses in fine form.

Blueking D’Oroux has to prove he stays this far but can build on his promising comeback second here 28 days ago. Ascot suits him and he could pick up a place.

3.00

VICTTORINO took this race 12 months ago and is back from only 1lb higher in the handicap with trainer Venetia Williams enjoying a dream season. Stable jockey Charlie Deutsch is the best around over fences and he can steer him around despite his unhappy habit of clouting the odd fence. He ran a cracker when third at Newbury on comeback and should be spot-on for fitness.

Trelawne can figure for in-form Kim Bailey. He was a game winner at Haydock last month and likes this trip. The yard also saddles veteran Two For Gold who has a good Ascot record and can’t be ruled out for a place at least.

Threeunderthrufive also likes it here and has run well when fresh. The Changing Man went close at Newcastle last time and is another to consider.

3.35

THIS is a competitive race but it will be disappointing if DYSART ENOS can’t build on her promising Greatwood Hurdle third and win it. She rose through the novice ranks last season but is still on a fair handicap mark and tanked along before the lack of a run told last time. She is well up to this standard provided it doesn’t get too testing.

Be Aware finished just ahead of the tip at Cheltenham and is a big threat again. He comes from behind so Ascot may not be his ideal track but he has ability.

Kabral Du Mathan has won all three hurdle starts and deserves this crack at a higher level. He had plenty in hand on handicap debut at Kempton so an 8lb rise may not stop him.

Steel Ally had his race won a long way out at Haydock last time and has place claims along with Kihavah who was far from disgraced when third behind Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last time.

HAYDOCK

2.05

FAMOUS BRIDGE won this race in the mud 12 months ago and has every chance again from just 2lb higher in the handicap. Nicky Richards’ stayer looked promising on comeback at Kelso last time and should be spot on for his cup final.

With Venetia Williams in fine form Frenchy Du Large is a big danger. It’s pushing three years since his last win but he keeps going close and has plenty of staying power.

East Street won twice over fences before scooting in over hurdles around here last time. He looks a different horse since joining trainer James Owen and could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Credo ran well in this race last season when third and gets her favourite conditions again. She is coming down the weights even before her rider takes off a valuable 10lb.

2.40

LUNE DE LA MER is the most interesting runner in the field coming back from a break. He was a smart bumper winner before winning on hurdle debut at Aintree. The handicapper has taken a chance with his opening mark of 110 and he can figure for Greenall and Guerriero who can get one fit at home.

Milldam can make mistakes but has a decent engine and may have needed the run at Huntingdon earlier this month. He likes this trip on soft and trainer Jamie Snowden is in good form.

Jilaijone ran a decent race when second at Warwick last month. He has come down the weights and handles soft ground.

Admiralty House ran away with his rider at Doncaster last time and would have a chance if settling better for today’s 3lb claimer. He has plenty of scope for improvement.

Templegate’s tips

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