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Caribean Boy and Itchy Feet go head-to-head in graduation chase cracker

Caribean Boy: bids for third win over fences
Caribean Boy: bids for third win over fencesCredit: Edward Whitaker

1.15 Ascot
Injured Jockeys Fund Graduation Chase | 2m5f | 4yo+ | Sky

The market forecasts a close-run race between Caribean Boy and Itchy Feet, a fact which both trainers of the leading protagonists are fully aware.

Caribean Boy made quite a splash when flooring odds-on favourite Fiddlerontheroof in a Grade 2 novice chase at Newbury last month to take his record to two wins from three starts since moving to Lambourn from France.

There was speculation immediately afterwards that he could be the type to exploit his mark in a fiercely competitive, valuable handicap, such was the assurance of his jumping that day, but Nicky Henderson is happy to continue with his education in the calmer waters of graduation company.

“Caribean Boy was very good at Newbury where we thought he might need the run,” Henderson said. “He goes on soft and he gallops. Now we’re going out of novice company into a graduation – that’s the obvious stepping stone. There’s only four runners but it looks a good race.”

Although beaten in both starts so far this season, Itchy Feet, winner of the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown in February, has emerged with plenty of credit.


Saturday tips from our experts:

Pricewise: Tom Segal with an Ascot tip 'more than capable of winning off his revised mark' (Members' Club subscribers)

Paul Kealy with six value Saturday bets following two winners last weekend (Members' Club subscribers)

Big-race Trends: Long Distance Hurdle the best pointer to success in Long Walk (Members' Club subscribers)

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tips on Saturday afternoon

Paul Kealy's must-have banker at Haydock on Saturday

Saturday's free racing tips: expert selections from our top team


After finishing third to Nuts Well in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree, Olly Murphy’s six-year-old took second place behind the talented Imperial Aura over this course and distance.

“He’s in good form and the softer it gets at Ascot, the better for him,” Murphy said. “Nicky Henderson’s horse will be hard to beat but I’m looking forward to running him.”

Itchy Feet: will tackle the Grade 1 Marsh Novices' Chase on Thursday
Itchy Feet: a leading contender now dropped to graduation companyCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

The Jeremy Scott-trained Dashel Drasher, third behind Master Tommytucker on his reappearance at Haydock last month, completes the trio.


All of Saturday's previews and analysis:

Heavyweights battle for staying supremacy in star-studded Long Walk Hurdle (Members' Club subscribers)

Why Long Walk is a far more complex puzzle than Newbury clash would make it seem (Members' Club subscribers)

'He's got an outstanding chance' – the Saturday Jury on the big-race action (Members' Club subscribers)

'It's not just a rematch' – Johnson and Lavelle wary of Long Walk Hurdle dangers

Stats suggest quick return for well-regarded Saint Sonnet could be profitable

Venetia Williams' stable staff are off to the races – but as owners

'A real slog' will suit Hill Sixteen in competitive Tommy Whittle Chase

'He's favourite and he deserves to be' – Bridgwater has faith in The Conditional

'Backers of hype horse Buzz are advised to watch his in-running price'

One horse, one jockey, one trainer and one race to watch on Saturday


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