Racing betting: Flemenstar has the class to take Ascot Chase
Saturday's Ascot Chase (3.35pm) has been won by some top class chasers over the years, including Kauto Star back in 2008. It’s a Grade One event, but this year’s renewal doesn’t look the strongest on paper.
Silviniaco Conti would have been a very short price if we turned the clock back 12 months, but he hasn’t been in the same form this season.
Pulled-up in the King George, he was second on his two previous starts and this is really too short a trip for him. He is the class horse in the race, but I’m happy to look elsewhere.
Dynaste is just too inconsistent for me. He’s had a breathing operation, which may well have done the trick. However, I’m not willing to back him at 3/1.
The one to be on is the 11-year-old FLEMENSTAR who can give Ireland their second win in this race.
It looked as though his career was on the wane, but since being transferred to Anthony Curran’s yard in November he’s looked much happier.
Admittedly, he was lucky to win the Grade One chase at Leopardstown over Christmas when Un De Sceaux fell.
But he then produced a solid display to finish second to Felix Yonger in the Tied Cottage at Punchestown. He’s certainly not as good as he was, but he’s proved that the fire still burns and looks a fair bet at 9/1 with Betway.
The firm are once again giving punters a free £10 bet if they place three bets of at least £10 on Channel 4 Racing.
In the Reynoldstown (1.50pm), I fancy Ben Pauling to continue his fantastic season and land the Grade One prize with DRUMACOO.
He bolted up on his stable debut at Huntingdon and might just have too much for Onenightinvienna and Vyta Du Roc.
Pointers
Drumacoo, 1.50pm, Ascot
Flemenstar e/w, 3.35pm, Ascot