'He loves it at Ascot' - course form can come to the fore in valuable handicap

Saturday: 3.15 Ascot
Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV/Sky

The way the early market looks, form in big spring handicaps will have a major bearing on this established early season prize. That is borne out, as the power of Major Dundee's Scottish National third and the performances Tea Clipper and Our Power put up to finish fourth and fifth respectively in the Ultima is strong in this race.

It seems odd that considerations, which often prove decisive in this race, have been so overlooked. Much-like the earlier novice handicap chase featuring Goshen, if this race belongs to anyone it is Gary Moore, having won two of the last four instalments. Full Back found the Ultima too much, but before that he had won at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and been second to Yala Enki on unfavourable terms (received 16lb less than he would have in a handicap) at Taunton.

Moore's two previous winners of this race had course form, which admittedly Full Back lacks. Annsam, Mister Malarky and Danny Kirwan all have it in abundance and can be backed at appealing prices, although there are worries about the big-field scenario in Danny Kirwan's case as he is quirky and most of his wins have come against few rivals.

Last year Annsam won the race at the Christmas fixture that corresponds with this one and there is no obvious reason he should not be ready for it, not least because it is more valuable. He did not seem in as good heart at Kempton next time, perhaps unsuited by being crowded, but he gave a timely reminder of his ability in a couple of subsequent runs over hurdles.

This always tended to be Mister Malarky's starting point when he was with Colin Tizzard. His big days admittedly came later, but some of them were here in the Reynoldstown and the Listed handicap just before Christmas.

It remains to be seen if his new trainer, the up-and-coming Richard Bandey, will be able to have Mister Malarky sharper for his reappearance. What we know is that he brought him back to near his best in two runs last spring, when he was second in the Grimthorpe and then at Cheltenham in April. His spring form has been overlooked, and he is one of several interesting sorts who are being unfairly crowded out of the betting by those with form in sexier races.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

Major Dundee 'has strengthened up'

Major Dundee looks to have a big handicap in him this season after rounding off an excellent first campaign over fences with a Scottish National third to Win My Wings over four miles.

The fact that he won his first race last term over Fakenham's sharp 2m5f suggests he is by no means an out-and-out stayer, and this £100,000 prize over 3m represents a good opportunity ahead of a tilt at Newbury's Coral Gold Cup.

His trainer Alan King said: "He was an okay hurdler, but fences made a big difference to him. I am pleased how well he did through the summer.

"He has strengthened up, but needs a race before his first major target, the Coral Gold Cup, after which he could go to Warwick for the Classic Chase and possibly a second trip to Ayr for the Scottish National."

What they say

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Good Boy Bobby and Poppa Poutine
Good Boy Bobby did nothing wrong last season, although he didn't enjoy the Grand National. He's raced a lot going left-handed, but going this way shouldn't be a problem. Poppa Poutine is improving all the time and is a strong stayer.

Richard Bandey, trainer of Mister Malarky
It's his first run of the season and he's in good form. He likes the track and the ground should suit. We'll be targeting veterans' chases with him after Christmas, with the final at Sandown a long-range aim.

Tom Lacey, trainer of Tea Clipper
He seems in good nick. Our horses are improving for the run, and he performed as well as he's ever done on his Chepstow reappearance last time. All his best form is on nice ground and hopefully there is a big handicap in him. He was fourth at both the Cheltenham and Aintree spring festivals, and is a good, consistent horse.

Christian Williams, trainer of Kitty's Light
He had plenty of hard races last year and probably won't be progressing much more but he's in good form and we're hoping to win a big race with him.

Evan Williams, trainer of Annsam
We've got to get him started somewhere and the ground should be fine. He's a lovely, lovely horse – a smasher. Given some luck, he has the raw talent to win something nice somewhere down the line.

Sam Thomas, trainer of Our Power
It's his first run of the season and he'll improve for it. He's a stuffy little horse and Ascot looks a good starting point.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Danny Kirwan
He loves it at Ascot and has won there twice. He goes well fresh and the ground would be fine so we're hopeful of a good run.

Richard Rowe, trainer of Up The Straight
I'm really pleased with him. He should like the ground and, while it's a very competitive race, I don't think there are any standouts. It was a muddling three-runner race at Fontwell on his reappearance and he got to the front too soon. He likes to pass horses late on, and James Davies will ride him more patiently this time and tuck him in. I think he'll be very competitive.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Saturday's race previews:

1.30 Ascot: 'We watched him school and he was electric' - Goshen camp confident

2.25 Wetherby: will talent over readiness prevail in the Listed Mares' Hurdle?

2.40 Ascot: 'He's better here than anywhere else' - who wins out of the Ascot specialists?

3.00 Wetherby: can Sporting John make up for lost time on his return from a 287-day absence?

3.35 Wetherby: 'Everything looks right for him' - Nicholls on Charlie Hall contender Bravemansgame

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