Editeur may just have the edge in round three between two progressive chasers

Saturday: 2.45 Ascot
Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Listed) | 2m1f | 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

A year ago Sully D'Oc AA and Editeur Du Gite fought out the finish to the novice handicap chase that opens the Ascot card. Sully D'Oc AA got the better of that first battle, but it was Editeur Du Gite who won the rematch at Aintree in April and now it's time for round three.

Those two runs bookended Editeur Du Gite's season and literal interpretation of the April form suggests he improved past Sully D'Oc AA, because Editeur Du Gite had just a 1lb turnaround in the weights with his old rival at Aintree, but found nearly six lengths on him.

You would expect them to be more closely matched in the weights this time, but that’s not the case. Sully D'Oc AA is carrying 3lb more than when he was beaten by Editeur Du Gite at Aintree so, if the latter resumes on best form, he should make the score 2-1.

Sam Thomas had one of his biggest wins since taking out a licence with Before Midnight at Cheltenham last week and his string is in fantastic shape. His last seven runners have achieved form figures of 1251212 and Grey Diamond bids to continue that red-hot run.

Grey Diamond was behind Editeur Du Gite, Sully D'Oc AA and another of these rivals, Frero Banbou, when fifth in the Red Rum at Aintree, but does run off 1lb lower this time.

Sully D'Oc AA: seven-year-old should have a solid chanceCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Amoola Gold is one of several winners from last year's card who is back to try to land the same race for a second time, and he is now 14lb higher than when successful 12 months ago.

Harry Skelton is at Wetherby, so Bridget Andrews deputises for the champion jockey on the Dan Skelton-trained eight-year-old and she has a better win record than Skelton anyway. Andrews has two wins from seven starts on Amoola Gold and Skelton is just one winner from nine on him.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Kim Bailey, trainer of One For Rosie
It's really competitive and he probably wants a step up in trip, but I didn't think the ground would be soft enough at Wetherby on Friday, whereas Ascot has had rain. I think he likes to go right-handed and I think and hope he'll run a very good race.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Getaway Trump
He's had a wind op and is as high as he wants to be in the weights. He needs this first run of the season and Lorcan [Williams] gets on well with him, but he wouldn't want it too soft, so I'm praying it doesn't rain too much.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Amoola Gold
He's off a higher mark now but has got more experience. It's a very competitive race.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Mengli Khan
He has come down in the weights but crucially he's had a break. Last year he joined us having raced all summer, whereas now he's off the back of a proper break and is in very good order. He probably prefers going right-handed, so it's a good track for him and hopefully he enjoys himself.

Gary Moore, trainer of Editeur Du Gite
He wouldn't want too much more rain, but goes there with every chance after winning well twice in the spring.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Frero Banbou
He improved for a wind operation last season and was a good fourth in the Red Rum Chase at Aintree. He's only six and there's no reason why he can't progress.

David Pipe, trainer of Eamon An Cnoic
He's not getting any younger but enjoyed a good season last year. He's at the right end of the weights and the softer the ground the better – ideally he needs it heavy. I think he's a lively outsider, but he does usually tend to improve for his first run.
Reporting by James Burn

Saturday previews and analysis:

2.10 Ascot: 'He's very unexposed' – find out who's flying under the radar in handicaps

2.30 Wetherby: D-day for star hurdler Paisley Park with switch to fences under consideration

2.50 Down Royal: Elliott, Nicholls and De Bromhead on the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase

3.05 Wetherby: The Cyrname conundrum: do you play or lay the Charlie Hall favourite?

3.20 Ascot: can classy Vinndication confirm himself a Graded performer in a handicap?

3.25 Down Royal: 'He's taking on the best horse ever to look through a bridle' – Envoi rivals

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