2:05 Ascot Tips

Rock My Way has only one win over hurdles and one win over fences in 17 runs under rules. But he also won his last of 3 runs in points and was always going to be a decent staying chaser. Unfortunately, his jumping has let him down in some big staying chases. But right-handed Ascot might suit him as an easier jumping test. He has previously only run once right-handed over fences at Hereford when with Syd Hosie. He is well-weighted on a mark of 131, his winning mark from a year ago when he won over three miles at Doncaster.

After undergoing wind surgery, he achieved his 4th victory over fences in a handicap chase at Haydock, with Joe Anderson riding, who will be back in the saddle today. He then made further progress finishing as runner-up at Cheltenham. After undergoing another breathing operation, he resumed his strong run by finishing 3rd at Cheltenham. This formidable duo presents a solid each-way betting opportunity.

In an otherwise open-looking handicap, SNIPE makes plenty of appeal. This eight-year-old gelding has had twelve starts in handicap company since his previous win on Boxing Day 2023. He has been placed four times since and comes here on the back of a respectable fourth in the three-mile Sodexo Handicap Chase (Good) at this track at the beginning of this month. He didn’t get the smoothest of trips that day and was outpaced turning for home. However, he stayed on well, and he gave a strong impression that the step back up in trip today will suit. That run came off a mark of 124, and he has been dropped 1lb ahead of today’s effort with the 3lb claiming Tristan Durrell aboard once again. Trainer Dan Skelton has been in superb form of late, and he looks to have a good chance here.

Rapper returns from a lengthy absence but is in good hands with trainer Henry Daly after a long break. Three wins from 18 starts over chases have all come at distances in excess of three miles from marks between 134 and 137. Eleven years old now, handicapped a little better on a mark of 130. Has run reasonably okay after a break in the past.