Kaeso spearheads Ascot attack for resurgent Nigel Tinkler

Tinkler launches another southern raid

Nigel Tinkler, who made a successful foray south on Tuesday when sending out Princess Power to land the 6f fillies’ nursery at Goodwood, has two decent chances at Ascot on Friday.

Prolific scorer Kaeso chases a seventh victory from 16 starts in the Chapel Down Classified Stakes (3.50), while last month’s Leicester winner Firmdecisions bids to follow up in the Sodexo Handicap (4.55).

The tough-as-teak Kaeso began handicapping off a mark of 56 last April. He is now rated 89 after landing handicaps at Thirsk, Redcar, Ripon, Doncaster, Yarmouth and Chester.

Tinkler said: “Kaeso is very well in himself and looks to have a great chance. Hopefully this classified event is the right race for him.”

The eight-year-old Firmdecisions has also proved a wonderful servant to Tinkler, winning nine times.

His first victory came in May 2013, but the manner in which he ran on to beat Blizzard by a length last time suggests he is as good as ever.

“Firmdecisions is bubbling at home,” Tinkler reported. “He’s drawn two of 20, which might not be ideal, but he must have an each-way chance.”

What A Welcome out to continue amazing run

What A Welcome may not win any awards at the end of the season, but his achievement of winning six of his last seven races must not be underestimated – nor trainer Patrick Chamings’ ability in placing the chestnut.

The four-year-old son of Nathaniel’s only defeat during that amazing spell came at Ascot on King George day in July, when a very fast surface caught him out.

However, What A Welcome bounced back to winning ways with a career-best performance on good ground at Newbury last month, battling on with trademark tenacity to defeat Sky Eagle by half a length in what looked a hot handicap.

He returns to Ascot for the Victoria Racing Club Handicap (2.40), with Chamings maintaining a keen vigil on the weather forecast.

“What A Welcome has been a star,” Chamings said. “He has improved, and I have tried to find the right races for him.

“I didn’t think he had any chance at Newbury, but he ran another super race on ground which was perfect for him. The forecast showers for Ascot haven’t materialised yet. I am hoping for some rain. He definitely benefited from the cut in the ground last time.”

More Newcastle success for Ellison and Rodriguez?

The £25,000 Fastflow Pipeline Services Ltd “Blaydon Races” Nursery (4.00) at Newcastle has attracted a nine-strong field, including representatives from the powerful Mark Johnston and Richard Fahey yards.

However, it could be another Yorkshire trainer with his string in prime form, Brian Ellison, who holds the key to the mile handicap with his lightly-raced Whiskey And Water.

Callum Rodriguez teams up with Brian Ellison at NewcastleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ellison and apprentice Callum Rodriguez combined at the north east track on Monday night with impressive scorer Little Jo, who was recording a fourth win from his last five starts, and the pair could enjoy further success with the son of Harbour Watch.

An opening mark of 73 seems fair for Whiskey And Water, who graduates to handicaps after three runs at Newcastle (twice) and Ripon, where he finished a creditable second to Off Piste stepped up to a mile for the first time.

Cut in ground ideal for Show Palace

The long, hot, dry summer has been all against sprinter Show Palace, who relishes plenty of give underfoot.

However, conditions will be more suitable at Haydock this time for the Jennie Candlish-trained five-year-old, who has long given the impression he could be capable of making a splash in a valuable autumn handicap or two.

A winner of ten of his 29 starts, Show Palace shaped as if he was being brought to the boil when fifth at Carlisle last time out – he travelled conspicuously well until perhaps blowing up inside the final furlong – and a subsequent 2lb fall in the weights won’t do his chance any harm in the 32Red On The App Store Handicap (3.35).

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