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

Saturday: 2.40 Ascot
Byrne Group Handicap Chase | 2m1f | 4yo+ | ITV/Sky

Even more so than at Cheltenham, the bigger handicaps at Ascot tend to throw up the same horses year on year and this is no exception.

Amoola Gold has crossed the line first in the last two years, albeit he was disqualified last year, giving the race to Monsieur Lecoq.

Both of those horses run again this time, as does Frero Banbou who was third (originally fourth) 12 months ago. Frero Banbou made good strides after and was third in the Grand Annual, although he may be better suited to the races here deeper into winter when the ground will likely be softer.

The corresponding race to this at Ascot's big November meeting was won in 2021 by Before Midnight – with Amoola Gold in second and Monsieur Lecoq well beaten, incidentally.

Before Midnight kept up that progress to the point where he finished second to subsequent Champion Chase second Funambule Sivola in receipt of just 4lb. While he finished the season with a modest sixth at Aintree, he is a horse to be positive about and should be clear favourite.

Although not regulars at Ascot, Thyme White and Nassalam both have form over fences here. The latter won the novice handicap chase on this card last year, while Thyme White tried to run out on his first try here before running into Golden Boy Grey in March. He is an unrealised talent and would be of interest if he were allowed to stride on.

Even if Thyme White is sent on, he is likely to have competition from at least one of Before Midnight and Gumball.

The latter has no course experience over fences but is the type who could well take to it, especially if the overnight rain comes. He is a free-goer with plenty of soft-ground autumn form.

That form is mostly at Cheltenham, but when Ascot gets testing front-runners over fences are perhaps even more difficult to peg back.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Sam Thomas, trainer of Before Midnight
He did really well last season. He's up in the weights now and will find things a bit trickier. This is a good starting point for him.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Amoola Gold
He always runs well at Ascot, he's better off there than anywhere else. He's got quite a high mark to deal with and as he gets older he wants a little bit further but this is a good starting point and he always runs well in this race.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Frero Banbou
He's our first runner for the new season. He enjoyed a good campaign last season. We didn't see the best of him at Aintree, but he ran very well at the Cheltenham Festival. We're hoping for an encouraging start.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Thyme White
He always goes well fresh. He had a fairly heavy fall the last day at Aintree. He's jumped well at home and has got some experience over fences so should have a chance.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Gumball
He's in great form. He ran very well on the Flat last time and seems to like the track. He'll love the ground and this is a great place to start.
Reporting by David Jennings

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?

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

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

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

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