Ibleo looks ideal type for stable with excellent race record

1.55 Ascot
tote.co.uk Handicap Chase (Listed) | 2m1f | 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

A race that has been dominated in the last decade by young, unexposed chasers from major stables.

Eight of the last ten winners were aged seven or under, and both Paul Nicholls and Venetia Williams have landed the prize twice.

Williams, whose team of largely soft-ground performers invariably hits form at around this time of year, is represented by perhaps the most interesting of the eight runners in Ibleo.

The lightly raced seven-year-old has shown highly progressive form in just three starts over fences, and there is a distinct likelihood of even better to come this season.

After taking advantage of a lenient mark at Wincanton and Huntingdon – both at around two miles – at the start of this year, he put up another bold performance under 12st 4lb when beaten four and three-quarter lengths by Canelo on a return visit to the Fenland track over 2m4f.

Flaminger: represents Gary Moore, who does well with his runners at AscotCredit: Alan Crowhurst

The drop back in trip on such a stiff course is unlikely to prove too much of an inconvenience, and he resumes off just a 1lb higher mark. Plenty will fancy him to emulate Williams' previous winners Cold March (2015) and Drumshambo (2013).

Gary Moore does well at Ascot, and his five-year-old Flaminger, a game winner in the Fontwell mud this month, also takes the eye off just 10st.

It's a big step up in class from Fontwell, but he's won three of his last five starts, almost certainly has more to offer and a mark of 124 ought not prove the ceiling of his ability. He remains totally unexposed on ground without the word soft or heavy in the going description.

The six-year-old Little Light competes from 2lb out of the handicap, but Jack Tudor's 5lb claim offers ample compensation.

Lucy Wadham's mare has been well beaten, though, by both Ibleo and Flaminger in recent starts, and will need a career-best performance to score.

Capeland: topweight has good course formCredit: Edward Whitaker

The two course-and-distance scorers, the Nicholls-trained Capeland and Richard Newland’s Caid Du Lin, must concede double-figure pounds to their rivals and neither appears particularly well handicapped.

Nicholls, however, has won this prize with Diego Du Charmil (2019) and Ulck Du Lin (2014).
Analysis by Richard Birch

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Capeland
He was unlucky in the race last year, but looks high enough in the weights this time. I think he has it all to do off his current mark.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Amoola Gold and Azzuri
I'm very happy with Amoola Gold. He looks great. He won well at Wetherby last time and, while this is a step up in grade, he goes there with a fair chance. I don't think Azzuri is well handicapped at the moment.

Amoola Gold (far side) is in good formCredit: Getty Images

Venetia Williams, trainer of Ibleo
It's a step up in class from last season, but looks a nice starting place for him. I think we might find ourselves stepping up in trip in due course.

Colin Tizzard, trainer of Molineaux
He'd have half a chance. We were looking at what races there were for him and there weren't many, so we've decided to come here and I don't know if he'll be ready first time or not, but he's done the same work as the rest of mine.

Gary Moore, trainer of Flaminger
We're chucking him in at the deep end, but it will be his first time on decent ground and I think it will suit him. He has a great racing weight and I'll be disappointed if he doesn't give a good account of himself.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Little Light
She's very well and has come on for her first run of the season. She has a low weight and we're trying to sneak a bit of black type. We're hopeful rather than confident.

Join Members' Club Ultimate and read tipping from the likes of Pricewise and Paul Kealy, all the big interviews and features, daily comment and news analysis - plus our Ultimate Daily newsletter. Click here to sign up.