The final Grade One before Christmas sees some of the top hurdlers go head-to-head in the Long Walk at Ascot on Saturday, with Hereford, Newcastle and Wolverhampton also in action. Sky Sports Racing.
2.25 Ascot – Strong Leader & The Wallpark headline Grade 1 Field
of last year Howden Long Walk Hurdle (2.25) saw Cramp beat old favorite Paisley Park in a thrilling battle, but seven-year-old Fergal O’Brien now looks set to face an even tougher fight 12 months on.
Ollie Murphy Strong leader widely regarded as the new leader in this division after landing last season’s Liverpool Hurdle and returning with a win in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month.
The Wallpark, Perhaps Ireland’s next star remains on a remarkable run since July, winning four in a row, including defying a grade of 145 at Cheltenham in October. He’s climbing for the first time in rated company, but looks capable of better.
Crambo’s best hopes could lie in his record when fresh, but he was well behind Strong Leader at Aintree in April.
Tuesday was that day Hiddenvalley Lake for Henry De Bromhead, while Kateira (Dan Skelton), Blueking d’Oroux (Paul Nicholls) and Shoot first (Charles Burns) certainly cannot be dismissed. Beauport, She has Botox and Eagle Fang fill in the field.
Crambo and Paisley Park battle it out in the 2023 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot
3.00 Ascot – Clash of classy Trelawne and Victtorino hunters
The three miles Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase (3.00) it looks like a competitive contest and is billed as the defending champion Quiz.
The Venetia Williams runner is just 1lb higher in the weights than last year and, after finishing an excellent third in the Coral Gold Cup, will be fancy to continue under Charlie Deutsch.
Kim Bailey-trained Trelawne made a super seasonal comeback when he landed Iroko to land a Graduation Chase at Haydock and rates a huge risk for this handicap company.
The Changing Man ran a tough race in defeat when second in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle on his last start and is seeking a first chase success under Sam Twiston-Davies.
Victtorino and Charlie Deutsch on their way to Silver Cup success at Ascot last year
3.35 Ascot – Be Aware & Dysart Enos meet again
A hard racing renewal of the precious Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (3.35) owns second and third from Greatwood at Cheltenham last month.
by Dan Skelton Be informed chased Burdett Road home when second on that occasion and this lightly-raced five-year-old is the choice despite a 7kg increase in weights.
Dysart Enos enjoyed a superb novice campaign, winning all three starts and ran credit behind Be Aware at Cheltenham. Expected to improve for this experience, it should be taken seriously from this 4lb higher point.
Others of note include winner of the Scottish Champion Hurdle; Favor and Fortune and Paul Nicholls’ unbeaten four-year run Cabral Du Mathan.
Dystart Enos (right) chases the Burdett Road home in Greatwood
Watch every race from Ascot, Hereford, Newcastle and Wolverhampton live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday 21 December
