'He comes alive here' - veteran Regal Encore back for more at favourite track

Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase (Listed) | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/SSR

Last winter, once the ground went soft at Ascot it became almost impossible to catch aggressively ridden sorts. Grade 1 winners First Flow and Dashel Drasher were the most famous instances, but it also extended to the winners of the handicap chases on this card – Bennys King and Mister Malarky.

There are plenty in this race who might be ridden with similar intent, such as Storm Control, Step Back and Cloth Cap. The difference this year is that the ground is not soft yet, as descriptions and times on Friday agree.

The different ground does not flip the dynamic, but it offers hope to those who might have shaped well from off the pace in races here – tactics that have been difficult to pull off. Jerrysback is the name at the top of that particular list and he is rated 5lb lower than when a close third in a heavy-ground running of this race two years ago.

Jerrysback is one of three in the race for owner JP McManus, whose trio is completely by course regular Regal Encore and Phoenix Way, who is very lightly raced.

Early favourite Belami Des Pictons is just as rarely seen and shaped with promise behind Snow Leopardess at Bangor last time. Backing him to build on that run is bold based on his recent history.

There are also doubts over Grand Sancy, who kept on after missing the last over 2m6½f at Newbury last time but had never previously looked like a three-miler. Similarly, it is possible that Caribean Boy is running over this far out of a wish to try something new, rather than responding to firm evidence.

The most interesting pair, along with Jerrysback, are Annsam and Checkitout. Annsam is a clear talent, but hard to pin down after limited experience over fences. Checkitout has a course-and-distance second to his name this season and shaped with encouragement when third in the Becher from out of the weights. His mark has not suffered and he remains with potential.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

'I had a to-and-fro with the handicapper'

It is likely that however much you like Christmas it doesn’t come close to matching how enthusiastic teenager Regal Encore is about it.

Just about every year he bounds into Ascot at this time of year to contest the Silver Handicap Chase, sponsored this year by Howden, full of zest and energy despite his advancing years.

In just a couple of weeks Regal Encore will turn 14, but trainer Anthony Honeyball is optimistic of another bold performance from the JP McManus-owned veteran, who was successful in this race in both 2016 and 2019.

“We seem to have him where we want him,” Honeyball said. “For the value of the race, it looks a nice opportunity for him.

“I had a bit of a to-and-fro with the handicapper as he hasn't won since winning the very good race in October 2020, and he's run very good races since in fairness. His age doesn't come into it and we're hovering around a winnable mark.

“He ran another cracker at the track on his seasonal return and if he can fire up and run his race, he's likely to be very competitive. He comes alive here.”

What they say

Jonjo O'Neill Jr, rider of Cloth Cap
He ran very well in the Ladbrokes Trophy last time – it's not often a horse wins two runnings of it. The weight just beat him in the end, but he ran a cracker under the circumstances and with Tom [Scudamore] at Haydock, I'm looking forward to partnering him again.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Caribean Boy
He didn't run too badly at all at Cheltenham but we've put some cheekpieces on him and brought him up to three miles for the first time, which might help him a lot.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Jerrysback
He seems in good form but he has to get himself back on track after his recent runs.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Belami Des Pictons
He ran well after a long time off in what is often a good race at Bangor. He's going to have to build on that, going into a competitive race at Ascot, but I think he can and he can go well.

Evan Williams, trainer of Annsam
He finished last season on a very disappointing note, but he's ran two great races over hurdles this term, progressing from the first to the second. We've had half an eye on this race for a while and we're giving it a crack.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Checkitout
He's run some crackers this season and has good form around Ascot. The one slight worry is it's only been two weeks since he finished a good third in the Becher Chase, but he appears to be in very good form.
Reporting by Peter Scargill

Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Ascot: has the handicapper given 'frustrating' Palmers Hill a winning chance?

2.05 Haydock: 'I don't know how good he is' – Oliver Sherwood in the dark over Little Awkward

2.25 Ascot: trainer insight on Thyme Hill, Paisley Park, Ronald Pump and more

2.40 Haydock: 'Unfortunate' Ladbrokes Trophy faller Remastered gets shot at redemption

3.35 Ascot: 'He's got a real chance' – analysis and key quotes for valuable handicap hurdle

Navan: Champion Bumper favourite American Mike bids to join illustrious roll of honour

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