'I want a Grade 1 ticked off' - James Bowen eyeing big win on Mister Fisher

James Bowen has already recorded three Grade 2 wins aboard Mister Fisher and hopes to now secure victory at racing's highest level when they contest Saturday's Betfair Ascot Chase (3.38).

Bowen and Mister Fisher landed the Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton last month, beating Eldorado Allen who has boosted the form with his success in the Denman Chase last weekend.

Mister Fisher is a 5-1 chance with Betfair to win the Ascot Chase after Thursday's declarations. The Joseph O'Brien-trained Fakir D'Oudairies, the sole runner for Ireland, tops the market at 11-4.

Betfair Ascot Chase (3.38 Saturday): racecard and big-race betting

Bowen is expecting a big performance from his mount as he aims to create a new highlight of an already memorable campaign.

"I'm really looking forward to it," said Bowen, who is 13 winners away from making this his best season. "I've won a few Grade 2s, three on him, but this would be my first Grade 1 and he's got a great chance of doing it.

"His form looks good and two miles five furlongs will suit him. It's his first time around Ascot but it's not too dissimilar to Kempton. They're calling the ground soft and he handles it better than he used do – it won't get any softer either. It's a competitive race but he deserves his chance."

He added: "It would mean a lot if he could do it. I had the Grade 3, then the Grade 2s but now I want the Grade 1. It's something I want to get ticked off so fingers crossed."

Fakir D'Oudairies: Joseph O'Brien-trained chaser is set to run at Ascot on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Fakir D'Oudairies will be seeking a first win in the race for an Irish-trained horse since Sound Man's victory for Edward O'Grady in 1996.

The seven-year-old has an excellent record in his six starts in Britain having won at Cheltenham as a juvenile before landing the Grade 1 Melling Chase at Aintree last April.

Dashel Drasher is looking to put his name alongside the likes of Monet's Garden and Cue Card by winning the race for a second time at a track where he has recorded four wins from five starts.

He was a runner-up when last seen at Lingfield's Winter Million meeting and gets to take on short-head conqueror Two For Gold again.

Dashel Drasher beat Master Tommytucker by two lengths in the contest last year and Paul Nicholls turns to Saint Calvados for a second crack, and a chance to become the most prolific trainer in the race's history.

Saint Calvados – most recently a promising third in the King George – will be ridden by Harry Cobden for the first time and is back at an intermediate distance. He finished a neck second in the 2020 Ryanair Chase.

Venetia Williams' phenomenal streak of big Saturday winners could continue with Fanion D'Estruval, who finished second in a course-and-distance handicap last time.

Course-and-distance winners Lostintranslation and Waiting Patiently complete the eight-runner line-up.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: "It's great to see all eight standing their ground. In terms of the betting, there's very little between the market principles but, it's fair to say, Fakir D'Oudairies has been the most popular selection and is 3-1 favourite from 9-2."

Adagio: heads for the Matchbook Betting Exchange Kingwell Hurdle at WincantonCredit: Edward Whitaker

At Wincanton, just four runners are due to line up in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Kingwell Hurdle (3.20) with Monmiral and Allmankind notable absentees.

The main challenger to last year's winner Goshen appears to be Adagio, who has been off the track since finishing a good second in the Greatwood in November.

Just 48 runners have been declared for Haydock's Saturday fixture, which features the William Hill Grand National Trial (2.40). Bristol De Mai, Blaklion and Secret Reprieve are among the leading contenders.

Thomas Darby, Emitom and Molly Ollys Wishes are among the six in the William Hill Rendlesham Hurdle (2.05), while Grade 1 winner Porticello contests the William Hill Super Odds Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle (1.30).

Betfair Ascot Chase

Betfair: 11-4 Fakir D'Oudairies, 7-2 Saint Calvados, 9-2 Dashel Drasher, Fanion D'Estruval, 5 Mister Fisher, 10 Lostintranslation, 25 Two For Gold, Waiting Patiently

Ascot Chase runners and riders

Dashel DrasherRex Dingle
Fakir D'OudairiesMark Walsh
Fanion D'EstruvalCharlie Deutsch
LostintranslationBrendan Powell
Mister FisherJames Bowen
Saint CalvadosHarry Cobden
Two For GoldDavid Bass
Waiting PatientlyJack Tudor

Saturday cards

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