Pointers and trainer views as Duke Of Navan seeks revenge over Modus

3.15 Ascot
Gerard Bertrand Hurst Park Handicap Chase | 2m1f, 4yo+ | ITV/RUK

Despite reaching the veteran stage of his career Duke Of Navan is yet to run at Ascot, but the ten-year-old rectifies that anomaly here when he will be out for revenge over Modus after the latter edged their recent meeting by a head at Cheltenham last month.

Duke Of Navan will be 2lb worse off with Modus this time but trainer Nicky Richards is optimistic of a strong performance.

He said: “He ran a grand race at Cheltenham and just got done on the line. He seems to be in great order and if he gets a good trip he won’t be far away.”

Watch the replay of Modus' win over Duke Of Navan at Cheltenham

Duke Of Navan has one win from five previous attempts on right-handed courses but Richards does not expect the lack of experience at the Berkshire track to be an issue.

He said: “He’s been around plenty of big tracks including Aintree, Cheltenham and Ayr, so I don’t think coming to Ascot will be a problem.”

Newland out to get in the mix

Richard Newland is operating at a strike-rate of 34 per cent this season, and the trainer will be hoping Caid Du Lin can add to his impressive win tally.

The plucky six-year-old is among the youngest in the field and has already posted some fine performances in recent months, including a narrow victory over the re-opposing One For Billy at Worcester in September.

Caid Du Lin has finished second in two of his three runs since, including at this track three weeks ago, and with good ground expected things appear to be falling right for him.

Newland said: “It looks a tough, competitive race and he’s only a novice but hopefully he can give a good account.

“He’s at the bottom of the weights. He went well at Ascot last time and there’s good prize-money, so I thought we’d better give it a go. I’m looking forward to seeing if he can mix it at this level.”

Nicholls runs three

Paul Nicholls has opted to deploy a trio of runners but it could be San Benedeto who is in better shape than stablemates Modus and Cyrname.

The seven-year-old will be carrying plenty of weight, but is the only horse in the 13-strong field to have won at Ascot before, and finished fourth in this last year.

That experience could prove vital in what looks to be a competitive contest and the Haldon Gold Cup third, who will have the assistance of Bryony Frost in the saddle, is certainly in with a chance.

Nicholls said: “San Benedeto always runs his race and I’m sure he’ll do the same again.”

On his other pair, the Ditcheat trainer added: “Modus won at Cheltenham last month so this was the obvious place to come with him. Cyrname ran a good race at Carlisle and was always going to improve from that run.”

What the others say

Nigel Hawke, trainer of Speredek
He’s fit and well and has been in great form. His best form has been on soft so he definitely wants a bit of cut in the ground, but it’s a valuable race so we’ve got to go.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Theinval
He’s always knocking on the door and that makes it hard for him to win. He gets to a mark he can win, does that and then goes up in the handicap. He then works his way back down and he’s competitive again. I’d say he’s high enough in the handicap at the moment.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Gardefort
He’s coming back after the best part of 12 months off but his preparation has gone well and he’s in good order. It’s always a competitive race here but I think he should handle the track.

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