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Master Tommytucker expected to make things difficult for unpredictable Cyrname

Cyrname: powers clear in the Christy 1965 Chase under Harry Cobden
Which version of Cyrname will turn up for the Ascot Chase?Credit: Alan Crowhurst

3.35 Ascot
Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1) | 2m5f | 5yo+ | ITV/Sky

The last two runnings of the Betfair Ascot Chase define the enigma that is Cyrname perfectly.

A fabulous winner of this race two years ago, when a 17-length dismissal of Waiting Patiently established him on ratings as Britain’s best chaser, Cyrname was already well beaten by Riders Onthe Storm and Janika when falling at the last.

The nine-year-old now needs to put a disappointing King George defeat firmly behind him, but the return to Ascot rates a definite plus as arguably his three best performances have all come there.

On official ratings he has 13lb in hand from stablemate Master Tommytucker, but trainer Paul Nicholls gives the distinct impression he expects them to finish much closer to each other than the handicapper’s view implies.

“Cyrname is in good shape,” Nicholls said. “He likes the track and he’s won the race before very impressively.

“Harry [Cobden] had the choice of our two runners and rides Cyrname. Based on ratings it wasn’t a difficult choice, but I don’t think there will be that much between them at Ascot.”

Cyrname was pulled up on his latest start at Kempton when sent off 5-2 second favourite for the Christmas showpiece. Cobden was reportedly never happy with his position towards the rear there, and it would be no surprise to see the son of Nickname ridden with more aggression and enterprise this time.

Nicholls leaves no stone unturned when endeavouring to get a horse back to top form after a high-profile disappointment, and Cyrname will sport first-time cheekpieces at Ascot.

“We’re hoping they will sharpen him up,” Nicholls said. “We’ve tried them on him at home and they had a positive effect.”

If the headgear has the desired effect, a return to his swashbuckling Ascot best would make him devilishly difficult to beat.


'He deserves his chance at a Grade 1'

While official ratings, market position and jockey bookings suggest Cyrname is the undisputed Ditcheat number one, relatively few racing enthusiasts would be shocked if Master Tommytucker emerged on top.

The ten-year-old has always been held in high regard by Nicholls, and comes into his second Grade 1 with conspicuously few miles on the clock for one of his age.

HUNTINGDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Master Tommytucker ridden by jockey Harry Cobden clears a fence on the way to winning the Download The tote App Intermediate Chase at Huntingdon Racecourse on November 10, 2020 in Huntingdon, England. (Photo by Tim Goode
Master Tommytucker: winner of the Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase last time outCredit: Pool

That first venture into Grade 1 company – the 2019 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton – ended with a fall, something which characterised the early part of his career over fences.

However, he’s looked much more assured and reliable in the jumping department this season and was error-free in Kempton’s Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase over Christmas, bar one mistake at the last.

Nicholls said: “He’s in good shape, and has been working well at home. His jumping was very good at Cheltenham and Haydock earlier in the season, and he has won over 2m5f. He deserves his chance at a Grade 1.”

Master Tommytucker will be partnered by Daryl Jacob for the first time after regular partner Cobden unsurprisingly elected to remain loyal to Cyrname.

However, Nicholls’s number one rider, aboard for three of Master Tommytucker’s four wins over fences, has suggested it was by no means as straightforward a decision as many would expect.

Master Tommytucker has long been considered a serious horse with Grade 1-winning potential by those closest to him, and another career-best on just his 12th start looks a distinct possibility.


What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Bennys King
I’m really happy with him. He came out of his last race well and looks fantastic. It’s a big step up in class, but he loves Ascot and deserves to take his chance.

Jeremy Scott, trainer of Dashel Drasher
If you took Cyrname out of the race it would look very open. Dashel Drasher is in good form and likes the track. It should be very interesting over the first two fences as there are several who will want to be up there.

Sam Twiston-Davies, jockey of Riders Onthe Storm
He won the race last year but things have not gone his way this season. The aim would be to slot him in and hopefully see him finish out his race which is something he's not been doing lately.


Read more of Saturday's previews

Saint or sinner: which Cyrname will turn up at Ascot this time? (Members’ Club)

Grand National clues everywhere, although not where you might look first (Members’ Club)

1.50 Ascot: Stamina and jumping look the key to success in Reynoldstown

2.05 Haydock: Itchy Feet 'the one to beat' as Murphy's star steps up in trip in Rendlesham

2.25 Ascot: Regal Encore and Sub Lieutenant among veterans aiming for one last hurrah

2.40 Haydock: National Trial sure to be tough going as course specialists do battle in the mud

3.18 Wincanton: Can Song For Someone lay claim to being the best hurdler in Britain?

Ascot Chase: how to solve the great Cyrname conundrum (Members’ Club)


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Published on 19 February 2021inPreviews

Last updated 18:21, 19 February 2021

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