Ratings Update: Ascot, Wetherby and Down Royal

The Charlie Hall Chase is one of the highlights of the early-season National Hunt Calendar, and Saturday’s race was a typical renewal seeing the comebacks of several high-class staying chasers. Veterans Coneygree (167? from 168) and Cue Card (remains on 173) were the pick of them, but they were also joined by some very talented younger rivals heading in a different direction, namely Bristol de Mai (165 from 159+) and Blaklion (remains on 158). The former, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, had lost his zip in top company towards the end of last season, but he was clearly all the better for a seven-month break as he returned to his best to record arguably his biggest win to date over fences. He’ll reportedly head to Haydock next for the Betfair Chase and, given his performance in the Peter Marsh at that track last season, he looks nailed on to run a big race, with possibility of more to come too, only just rising seven after all. Blaklion proved at least as good as ever on his return, pulling 23 lengths clear of the third. The Becher Chase is his target and he’ll have a huge chance back over the National fences (excellent fourth in last season’s Grand National).

There was a quality field for the Grade 2 West Yorkshire hurdle earlier on the card, including last year’s Stayers’ Hurdle runner-up Lil Rockerfeller (remains on 162). He shaped as though he’d come on for the run, and the fact he’s tended to thrive and improve on racing throughout the season in the past suggests he’s well worth another chance. It was the Fergal O’Brien-trained Colin’s Sister (152p from 137p) who came out on top on her first start out of mares’ company, relishing the three-furlong longer trip and running to a smart level. She’s open to further improvement, totally unexposed as a stayer, and there are loads of options for her, including back against mares, but connections will probably have bigger targets in mind now and she'd be well worth her place in the Long Walk at Ascot next month. Wholestone (157 from 147) was well backed into joint-favouritism and produced a career best back at three miles with his encouraging reappearance behind him. He’s most reliable and consistent so should continue to give a good account.

La Bague Au Roi (remains on 136) stood out on form in the listed mares’ hurdle and didn’t need to improve after six months off to beat Lady Buttons (remains on 129)by two lengths, enhancing her excellent strike rate, now eight wins from 11 career starts. La Bague Au Roi had to dig deep, showing a cracking attitude, headed three furlongs out, but finding plenty to lead again on the run-in. There are sure to be more winning opportunities for her, be it kept hurdling or sent over fences, which is reportedly a possibility this season (which she has the physique for).

The Sodexo Gold Cup was the feature at Ascot, and as usual, a big field went to post for this valuable pot, featuring quite a few interesting contenders. The bold-jumping front-runner Go Conquer (up 7 lb to 150) was dominant from the outset, taking advantage of a less contested pace than might have been expected. Go Conquer again jumped superbly, confirming himself fully effective at three miles, and although another rise in the weights is inevitable, he seems sure to go well again. Rock Gone (remains on 138) ran right up to his best to finish runner-up and he looks set for a good second season over fences.

The two-mile listed chase at Ascot was well run, testing jumping and fitness, and most came up short, but the well-backed Exitas (129+ from 119) continued his fine run of form to win by seven lengths,  returning to the sort of level he reached over hurdles in his younger days. He faces another hike in the weights, and will surely be in a stronger race next time, so will find completing a hat-trick tougher.

It was a pair of chasing debutants who shone in the novice handicap chase, Benatar showing improved form (149p) to beat Space Oddity (remains on 137+) by three and three quarter lengths. An ex-pointer, Benatar’s future over fences looks very promising, smothering a classy and competitive field, striking how strong he was at the finish given the race was a really good test, no let-up in the gallop from the start. Copain de Classe (131p) also shaped with promise, looking a natural until flattening out as if the run was needed, and he looks sure to win races in this sphere.

Over in Ireland, Outlander (165 from ?) returned to form out of the blue to win the Grade 1 Champion Chase at Down Royal by half a length from Road To Respect (164+ from 160+). Outlander had finished behind several re-opposing rivals at Punchestown little more than a fortnight earlier, but the fitting of cheekpieces helping him return to the form shown when winning the Lexus last season, and that race is now presumably on the agenda again. Our Duke (167 from 167p) was well backed but ran too badly to be true on his return from seven months off (reportedly scoped poorly) and he's worth another chance given the level of form he showed in last season's novice chasing campaign.