Cheltenham handicap winner Guitar Pete aiming to continue improvement at Ascot
Nicky Richards is tuning up his Caspian Caviar Gold Cup winner Guitar Pete for another big handicap, this time in the bet365 Handicap Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
NICKY RICHARDS is hoping Guitar Pete can build on his fortuitous Caspian Caviar Gold Cup victory at Ascot on Saturday.
The Greystoke handler nominated the two-mile-five-furlong bet365 Handicap Chase as the target following his victory at Prestbury Park last month and intends to stick to that plan providing all remains well with the dual-Grade One winner.
"All being well I'm hoping to be there with him," said Richards. "He seems in grand fettle."
Guitar Pete was among 12 entries for the weekend feature, in which Harry Fry's steady improver Acting Lass and Lucinda Russell's Forest Des Aigles could attempt to defend their unbeaten records this season. The latter also holds an entry in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock the same day.
Robert Walford is praying it rains all week for the mud-loving Le Boizelo.
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The seven-year-old is proven on heavy ground, as he showed when winning at Wincanton earlier this month.
"It depends on the weather," said the Dorset trainer. "If it gets very wet all week he will run. If it doesn't, I don't think he'll be running."
Richard Hobson insists Shantou Flyer is by no means certain to take his chance following his fine effort when second behind Ballyhill at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.
The Gloucestershire handler said: "He'll have entries all the way to the end of the month and we'll keep our options open.
Templegate's Treble
NAP 2.00 Hereford - Gonnabegood: 'Bumped into a progressive rival last time and the step up in trip and switch to fences should suit'
NEXT BEST 3.05 Hereford - Carlos Du Fruitier: 'Won nicely at Wetherby in November and was running a good race prior to falling three out last time'
TREBLE 12.35 Ayr - Cool Mix: 'Has been consistent this season a slightly less aggressive ride over further should do the trick'
"It was a fabulous run at Cheltenham last time and he's back to where we want him.
"He's had one or two minor issues."
Other possibles include the hat-trick-seeking Robinshill from the Nigel Twiston-Davies stable and the Venetia Williams-trained duo of Tenor Nivernais and Willie Boy.