Maddy Playle thinks Venetia Williams can enjoy another big winner with 16-1 shot

Aso
1.50 Cheltenham, Saturday
1pt each-way at 16-1 with bet365

Witness Protection
4.10 Cheltenham, Saturday
1pt win

Some horses you just can’t let go of and Aso (1.50 Cheltenham) is one of those for me. I was convinced he would run a belter in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at the course in November and I’ve slipped into the same thinking here.

He showed promise in the Paddy Power. He lost his position at the top of the hill and looked set to coast home under Charlie Deutsch, but then ran on again to pass several horses and make up a chunk of ground up the hill.

He has since fallen in the Becher Chase when appearing to resent the National fences and therefore finds himself running off a rating of just 155. It was only two years ago he beat Happy Diva off 3lb higher over course and distance before finishing second to Frodon in the Ryanair (his second placing in the race), posting an RPR of 169.

Aso (left) has stacks of excellent form to his name, including two placings in the RyanairCredit: Edward Whitaker

Venetia Williams, who could also run last year’s winner Cepage in the race, has really hit form now as well.

Wishfull Thinking won this race off top weight (156) as an 11-year-old in 2014 and the presence of the likes of Caribean Boy and Midnight Shadow should ensure a tasty double-figure price on Aso.

Given the glimmer of promise he showed earlier in the season and that he is back on his happiest hunting ground, he is worth chancing each-way to recapture some of his old form.

Martin Keighley has won the concluding 2m1f handicap hurdle (4.10 Cheltenham) twice in the last five years, in 2016 with Solstice Star and last year with Back On The Lash.

It speaks volumes he has entered Chepstow winner Witness Protection (also in the Ballymore trial), with his post-race comments suggesting this was the target.

Witness Protection was a ten-length winner at Stratford in November – beating Fantastikas, who has since gone down to Albert Bartlett fancy Barbados Buck’s by just a neck – and was then narrowly outstayed over 2m5½f at Wetherby.

Witness Protection (near) pulls out more to beat Can You Call at ChepstowCredit: Edward Whitaker

Returning to two miles last time, he gave 7lb to the promising Can You Call, who was 14th in last year’s Champion Bumper. A mistake at the last meant he won by only half a length but was value for much more.

This point-to-point winner showed he could handle an undulating track then and the move into handicaps should give him the strong pace he needs. I am confident a mark of 129 does not represent the ceiling of his capabilities.

Silver still looks a valuable asset

Silver Sheen was my idea of last year’s Pertemps winner after he won the qualifier at Warwick on Classic Chase day.

He was injured in the run-up to the race and has not run since, but Jessica Harrington responded to a couple of tweets recently to say the seven-year-old would run this month and encouragingly he has been entered at both Navan and Huntingdon on Friday.

Silver Sheen: worth following now back from injuryCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

The trainer also made it clear that the local option was the preference and, given that isn’t a recognised qualifier, it could be they are aiming Silver Sheen towards the Dublin Racing Festival.

I wouldn’t advise piling into him for the Cheltenham Festival but he is definitely a horse to keep on your radar given he defied inexperience to win at Warwick and has had only seven starts. Hopefully he can confirm his promise later on this season.

Playle's nap

Destinee Royale
2.50 Wincanton, Wednesday

This mare did me a massive disservice when unseating at Sandown last time as I was convinced she’d win then, but she should be able to make amends here off the same mark. This track is arguably less demanding and I don’t think she is a bad jumper by any means, while her opposition are either out of form or seemingly too high in the handicap. Hopefully she can get the job done this time.

Adagio: can confirm Chepstow form with NassalamCredit: Edward Whitaker

Playle's lay

12.40 Cheltenham, Saturday

Immediately after the Finale at Chepstow, the general opinion seemed to be Nassalam would reverse the form next time, but I’m not so sure. He’s a free-going type and Cheltenham’s undulations could find him out, especially on testing ground. We know Adagio is a strong stayer, he’s won at this track and continues to improve with each run. Take him to beat the Gary Moore-trained youngster again.

Read more from Maddy Playle:

Why Paul Nicholls looks to be set for an exceptional 2021-22 season

Wedge and Frost comments show where racing must progress

The veterans' series is a monumental success – and it is vital it stays as it is

No allowance needed: why a 25-1 shot should be added to your ante-post portfolio

Yorkhill transformation a feat which deserves joyous celebration

Arkle dark horse has what it takes to tackle red-hot Shishkin

If racing is to develop it's vital it listens to those who speak out on race

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