Keith Melrose's play of the day at Ascot

Prince Quali

1.15 Ascot

The strongest fancy on Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle card is in a non-televised race, the 2m3f handicap chase. I've been waiting months for Prince Quali to move up in distance. He showed enough at Newbury on his reappearance to say he can now pick up the progressive thread again.

At Chepstow in the spring, Prince Quali twice won while looking like he was getting away with 2m. Both times he had Dr T J Eckleburg well beaten, and that horse is rated higher now having won at Haydock on Betfair Chase day.

More significantly, on the second occasion Prince Quali beat Sans Bruit days before that horse dominated the Red Rum. Now fit and at a distance that is bound to suit him, Prince Quali will surely go well.

Prince Quali13:15 Ascot

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Jky: Harry Kimber Tnr: Robert Walford

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