Dashel Drasher might struggle to dominate with front-runners aplenty

3.00 Ascot
bet365 Handicap Chase (Class 2) | 2m5f | 5yo+ | ITV4/Sky

Dashel Drasher propelled trainer Jeremy Scott back into the limelight when taking the notable scalps of Itchy Feet and Caribean Boy over course and distance last month. If he can repeat that form he could still be well handicapped, despite having gone up 9lb.

The eight-year-old runs off a BHA mark of 152, but recorded a Racing Post Rating of 159 last time. He could still be 7lb well in, but this is a completely different type of race.

Only three lined up in that graduation chase and Dashel Drasher dominated, but this time he will have 13 rivals to contend with and there might be more competition for the early lead.

Bennys King, Espoir De Guye, Young Wolf and Colorado Doc have all forced the pace in recent races and Dashel Drasher jumped left en route to his latest victory. He will probably need to chart a straighter path if he is to win the early battle with some tearaway pacesetters.

Given the potential pace angle, this race might be run to suit stayers and those who are ridden patiently. Jerrysback fits both criteria, but his recent record when fresh tempers enthusiasm.

Jerrysback was beaten 50 lengths on his return from 633 days off at Cheltenham in November 2018 and 49 lengths after 263 days off the track at Newbury in November 2019. He returns from a 399-day absence and it’s hard to be confident in his readiness for the task.

Windsor Avenue: fitness and stamina shouldn't be a problemCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Fitness won’t be an issue for Windsor Avenue and stamina shouldn’t be either. He was beaten four and a quarter lengths by Canelo in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby over Christmas and that was over three miles. A stiff, strongly run 2m5f might prove the ideal test for him.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Will blinkers sharpen Domaine De L'Isle?

Sean Curran is hoping first-time blinkers will enable Domaine De L’Isle to rediscover the spark which saw him get the better of Bennys King in a thrilling finish to the race last year.

That was Domaine De L’Isle’s third straight win, but he hasn’t troubled the judge since and Curran has been disappointed with his performances so far this season.

“He has shown nothing in his races this year,” he admitted. “I schooled him in blinkers on Thursday and he jumped well. I just hope they spark him up at the races.”

Domaine De L’Isle’s five-run losing spell has seen his mark drop to 140, the rating off which he was successful 12 months ago.

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Bennys King
He’s good around that track. He was second in the race last year and, despite him having top weight and needing a career-best, I think he’ll go very well. He’s in great form.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Capeland
He won nicely at Wincanton the other day. The trip suits and he likes Ascot, but he’s up in the weights again.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Espoir De Guye
He’s dropping back in trip after his last visit to Ascot and I’m hoping that will be in his favour.

Harry Fry, trainer of Acting Lass
He always seems to run well there and he won this race three years ago. His wind stopped him last time and this is his first run since an operation. He'll love the conditions.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Good Boy Bobby
It's a competitive race but he ran well when fourth in the Caspian Caviar at Cheltenham last time. He won't mind the soft ground.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Jerrysback
He hasn’t run for a long time but has been going very well. I’m hoping he has an each-way chance.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Read more of Saturday’s previews

Classy senior citizens have great chance to prove you're only as old as you feel (Members' Club)

'Hopefully people see how beautiful Taunton is and head down when they can' (Members' Club)

3.35 Ascot: Politologue, Waiting Patiently and Defi Du Seuil clash in special Clarence House

Clarence House Chase: age is merely a number for top-class two-mile chasers (Members' Club)

1.15 Ascot: Roksana standing in the way of Magic Of Light's hat-trick bid

1.50 Ascot: can highly regarded Arrivederci repay punters' faith with first big-race win?

1.57 Navan: 'She likes going left-handed and she relishes real heavy ground'

2.15 Taunton: 'It's the perfect race for him' – Paul Nicholls eyeing repeat win for Yala Enki

2.40 Haydock: can Royale Pagaille defy top weight and prove a Grade 1 horse in a handicap?

3.15 Haydock: Paul Kealy evaluates Buveur D'Air's long-awaited return in Grade 2

Get clued up with the latest Cheltenham Festival tips and odds with our free microsite. The best Cheltenham betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.