Maddy Playle answers the key questions for the last major pre-Christmas raceday - and picks out a 22-1 shot in the Long Walk
What's the big story?
The Irish descending on Ascot. It's difficult to believe, but Ireland has never won the feature Grade 1 Howden Long Walk Hurdle (2.25). This year four make the journey to Berkshire and The Wallpark, Hiddenvalley Lake, Shoot First and Eagle Fang all have some sort of chance in a competitive event.
The Irish theme continues elsewhere on the card as there is only one British-trained contender in the four-runner graduation chase (1.50), with Grand National prospect Iroko lining up against James Du Berlais, Jungle Boogie and Fil Dor.
Gavin Cromwell has a superb record with his British runners too, so don't be surprised if Hartur D'Arc outruns his odds in the £100,000 Silver Cup (3.00) after a slightly disappointing first visit to Britain in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last time.
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Who wins the Long Walk Hurdle?
Truly open Grade 1 races are a rarity these days, but the Long Walk definitely fits the bill.
I've been suckered in by a horse who wouldn't usually be considered for the race in Beauport, who bolted up at the track in the Berkshire National last time. He's much better known for his exploits over fences having won last season's Midlands National too.
However, he was a very talented hurdler as he reached a rating of 148 as a young horse, so there's no reason why he can't replicate his chasing efforts back over hurdles. A relentless stayer, I'll take a chance on him to make the frame at 22-1.
What's the bet of the day?
I'm going slightly off-piste with Stratton Oakmont in the 3m½f handicap hurdle (3.15) at Haydock.
The eight-year-old improved pleasingly last season and resumed with an excellent third in a good race at Ffos Las. The form has worked out nicely with the second beating an odds-on shot at Southwell next time and the winner finishing a strong second at the Coral Gold Cup meeting.
Stratton Oakmont shaped as though he would come on for that reappearance and will receive weight from all but one of his rivals here, which bodes well given he is a multiple point-to-point winner over three miles and the conditions are likely to be very testing.
Anything else catch the eye?
It's been great to see so many French runners in Britain this season – many have outrun their odds – and although I won't be backing him, I'm intrigued to see how Heloy Delabarriere gets on for Arnaud Chaille-Chaille in the Silver Cup (3.00) at Ascot.
He has mixed it with the best in France and while it might not be a vintage crop of staying chasers over there, he has been given a chance by the British handicapper off a mark of 139.
Bonne chance!
Read more:
Keith Melrose's play of the day at Ascot
'He's going to take an awful lot of beating' - Long Walk Hurdle quotes and insight
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