'He's a freak' - evergreen Regal Encore back for more at Ascot

Regal Encore is winging his fences at home and shows no signs of aging as he looks to defend the valuable Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot this weekend (3.20) in a bid to become just the third 13-year-old to win a Graded race in Britain in a quarter of a century.

Oscar Time (2014) and Raz De Maree (2018) boasted big handicap success at the same age and Regal Encore's gutsy win at his favourite track completed a big Saturday treble for Anthony Honeyball last season, undoubtedly the biggest day of his training career.

The Dorset handler is by no means in a reflective mood, instead priming the same three horses for weekend targets at Ascot once more.

Kid Commando – hoped to breakthrough at Graded level this season – is a likely favourite in the Ascot Underwriting Chase (1.35) while Sully D'Oc AA is back on home soil after his Punchestown heroics with the Byrne Group Handicap Chase (2.45) in mind. Exciting youngster Firestream also features in the finale.

"We're looking for a four-timer this time," he joked. "I love having chances, even if it's a Monday at Plumpton. But there's something about those big days to look forward to when the big guns are all running.

"Last year was a big deal for the yard. Three big wins all on ITV for a yard with about 60 horses, it was pretty incredible. It would take a bit of doing to do it again.

"We're excited to run Kid Commando, he's had a wind-op over the summer. He showed good ability after his win last season but he didn't go where we thought he might. He could be and should be a Graded novice this season.

Kid Commando: leading player at Ascot on SaturdayCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"Sully D'Oc AA goes back there too, unless it's very soft, and we think a lot of Firestream who'll run in the bumper. We think he'll have a right chance."

Regal Encore's success last season came as a huge surprise as he was flat and laboured no less than a fortnight before. Finishing in the top three at the track in nine of twelve starts, he was a head off winning at Ascot again in his last start there in February.

"It's a big ask off 149 being a 13-year-old," Honeyball added. "He seems in great form and appears his normal self – we schooled him earlier this week and he winged the last three fences which is good. The fact he handles the track so well means he's always got a chance.

"He's a freak, some horses have amazing seasons and win Gold Cups and while he's not at that level year after year he just keeps coming back and running in those very valuable handicaps. He's a great friend to the yard."

Stablemate Sojourn is also due to run in Saturday's feature at Ascot: "He's quite unexposed, he's a bit like Regal was when he won it a few years back. He's not necessarily very well handicapped but he's got a mark and we think he's a nice horse for big handicaps."

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