Belated improvement or his first real chance to shine over fences? That's the question we're asking about Noche de Reyes, specifically his win at Ludlow last time. Seeing as we're recommending him for today's 15:35, it's safe to say we are inclined to go with the latter.
Ludlow was Noche de Reyes' fourth run in a chase, his first having been educational, his second on ground that might well have been too testing and third on the back of a break. With the stars aligned last week, he was able to take his form forward in another chunk, extending four lengths clear despite the fact that the field was still bunched turning in. Ascot's more galloping nature than Ludlow is one of the few unknowns and, even up 9 lb and in a stronger race, Noche de Reyes could prove difficult to stop here, especially if he keeps progressing.
The great thing about veteran's chases is that sometimes you can justify backing a horse that hasn't won for over three years. Today's offering (16:10) features Tullamore Dew, who's clearly not the force of old now aged 12 but has offered plenty of encouragement this season. His second to Pineau de Re in January now reads well, while he had no chance from out of the weights next time and ran a rare poor race last time. Given his woeful recent win record we probably wouldn't have chanced Tullamore Dew anywhere else, though a look back through his career suggests Ascot suits him better than most tracks. It's not something you can say about many horses, so back off the same mark that saw him finish second to Pineau de Re Tullamore Dew could be worth risking at a price.
The season as a whole looks to have been a write-off for Seymour Eric (16:45), but look again. He failed to take to chasing then ran poorly once over hurdles. One run with headgear off followed, then a couple of spins over inadequate trips. He's now back over three miles, headgear on and, perhaps most eye-catchingly of all, 10 lb below the mark he recorded the last of his five wins in 2012/13 from. It's a risk, hence the reason an each-way bet is recommended, but if Seymour Eric is ever going to spring back it could well be today.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Ascot
Back Noche de Reyes @ 7.06/1 in the 15:35
Back Tullamore Dew @ 11.010/1 in the 16:10
Back Seymour Eric @ 26.025/1 to win and 5.24/1 to place in the 16:45
