Punting pointers as Diego Du Charmil and Capeland return to scene of chaos

Gerard Bertrand Hurst Park Handicap Chase (Class 2) | 2m1f | 4yo+ | ITV/Sky

Stablemates Diego Du Charmil and Capeland return to the scene of the chaotic finish that saw the former secure Listed success and the latter disqualified three weeks ago.

Approaching the final obstacle, the pair had the race between them only for Diego Du Charmil to veer violently left and jump the wing of the fence. Capeland followed but was forced between the fence and the plastic wing, ending his chance of victory.

The Paul Nicholls-trained pair go head-to-head once more with Diego Du Charmil now 6lb worse off, and Nicholls believes that could make the difference.

He said: "I think Capeland looks to have an outstanding chance of getting that 6lb. Both horses have been absolutely fine and it's the sort of race that suits them both. Poetic justice would be for Capeland to win, but racing is racing and I hope they both put in good performances. Neither would want too much rain."

Very best required for Caid Du Lin

Caid Du Lin was the surprise 16-1 winner of this contest last year and bids to land it once again for Richard Newland.

That was the seven-year-old’s only win in seven starts at Ascot and his trainer is hopeful the reapplication of blinkers will see Caid Du Lin be competitive.

"He won it last year but to be frank the blinkers will need to get him back to his very best to be competitive, but we’re looking forward to having a go anyway," said Newland.

Caid Du Lin won the Hurst Park under Sam Twiston-Davies last yearCredit: Henry Browne

Caid Du Lin was also a part of that dramatic race won by Diego Du Charmil three weeks ago, and despite finishing fourth Newland believes further improvement is needed.

He added: “I was a bit disappointed with his last run and the blinkers are back on to hopefully sharpen him up and eek out a better performance. He was pretty flattered to finish where he did with the carnage at the last so realistically he’s got to step up a lot.”

The Last Day out to land the hat-trick

The Last Day picked up from where he left off last season as the progressive seven-year-old romped home to score by five lengths at Aintree two weeks ago.

That made it two wins and two seconds from his last four starts, and after being given an 11lb rise for that success, Evan Williams is hopeful his runner can prove himself as he steps up in class.

The trainer said: “He’s grand. It’s a massive step up in class but that’s where we are with him now so we’ll give it a go.”

What they say

Nigel Hawke, trainer of Speredek
He’s in great form and has been a great servant. He gets on, does his work and always runs a good race – he’s that type of horse. I think he’s realised he doesn’t need to go a million miles anymore and has learnt to settle a bit. He’ll come on for the race at Ascot, the ground will be right and the race is there to be had. For the sort of prize-money it is we’ve got to take a chance.

Gary Moore, trainer of Knocknanuss
I was very pleased with his first run at Cheltenham last month. He can hang sometimes so he’s wearing blinkers not to make him faster but to make him jump straighter. We schooled him in them and they seemed to work so hopefully it’ll help him.

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