Ruth Jefferson’s rapidly improving chaser Waiting Patiently, who was last seen when winning a Listed affair at Kempton, will be sent after the £150,000 pot on offer to the winner of the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase at the Berkshire venue on Saturday.
The seven-year-old Flemensfirth gelding had been trained by Malcolm Jefferson, who has sadly passed away. The responsibility of training his string has been taken up by daughter, Ruth, who had her first winner at Kelso this afternoon.
Her charge has been marked up as an 11/4 shot to claim what would be a warmly-received win. He’ll have Brian Hughes onboard.
The market, however, is headed by Nicky Henderson’s Top Notch. A course and distance winner in fine fashion in November, he’ll likely be well-supported for a trainer that has a strong record in the contest. Daryle Jacob will partner him and he’s a 7/4 favourite at the time of writing.
Colin Tizzard The veteran Cue Card, who is 12-years-old and has not raced since 2015, has won this event twice in the past and is a 8/1 shot to win for Paddy Brennan.
Paul Nicholls sends out Frodon, winner of a Grade 3 at Cheltenham last time, with the superb Bryony Frost on his back once more. It’s a step up in class for him but he was impressive that day and is a 10/1 chance.
Nigel Hawkes’ Speredek has improved markedly this campaign and will be asked to do so once more. Sean Bowen will be aboard and he’s priced up at 25/1.
