Punting pointers: Espoir De Guye from in-form Williams yard could hold key

1.50 Ascot
Plymouth Gin Handicap Chase | 2m3f | 4yo+ | ITV4

Ascot's most valuable jumps card of the season is likely to be run in extremely testing conditions on Saturday after persistent rainfall has fallen on the Berkshire course.

This handicap chase, the first race on ITV, has proved to be a stepping stone for some exciting horses, including Hell’s Kitchen, who beat the progressive chaser Janika last year.

One youngster who could hold the key to this race comes from the red-hot yard of Venetia Williams, who has eight wins from her last 11 runners, and she relies on last-time-out winner Espoir De Guye.

The five-year-old was stepping out of novice company for the first time when winning well at Exeter two weeks ago, but is yet to prove himself on heavy ground.

He is joined at the top of the market by First Flow, who appears to relish bottomless ground. The Kim Bailey-trained horse has won two of his three runs on heavy ground and comes into the race in good form after cruising round Hereford on Saturday.

First Flow: appears to relish bottomless groundCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Ben Pauling has had a tough campaign so far but feels the tide is beginning to turn in his favour, with a 33-1 winner at this course on Friday franking his thoughts. He runs Delire D'Estruval, who should enjoy conditions.

What they say

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Kobrouk
He’s run over hurdles for us and had some decent form in France over fences. This is his first run over fences for us and his first attempt at English-style fences, so we’ll have to see how he handles those.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Garde La Victoire and War Sound
Garde La Victoire has had a year off with injury but we’re happy with him and we’re hoping that he will cope with the ground. When War Sound ran at Aintree last time I just felt that the cheekpieces would help him get back to his best.

Kim Bailey, trainer of First Flow
Not a big break from Hereford but having said that he’s come out the race really well and he loves heavy ground, so he’s got his conditions and we’re going to keep going whilst we can. He only had a hack round the other day and I wouldn’t be running him if he wasn’t fit. I never feel confident but I’m happy with the horse and happy with the race we’re in.

Ben Pauling': 'Delire D'Estruval will enjoy the ground and the trip is about spot on'

Ben Pauling, trainer of Delire D'Estruval
He hasn't run for a fairly long time but that’s because I haven’t had many runners to be honest. He seems to be in good order with himself. I feel the tide is turning slightly at home and they’re really starting to come back to themselves. He’ll enjoy the ground and the trip is about spot on, but it’s a very competitive race and he’ll do well to win that first time out. I think he’ll be competitive; he’s off a career high but things are in his favour. He’ll handle the track and he’s in good form, but not many of mine have been hitting the back of the net recently, so I’d be brave to say he’ll win.

Oliver Sherwood, trainer of Got Away
If she could reproduce her best form, such as her Cheltenham second, she would have a squeak. She has had a few little issues but the trip is right and so is the ground. We're trying blinkers not because she is in any way ungenuine but in an attempt to sharpen her up.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Espoir De Guye
It’s a big step up in class for him out of novice company, but we’re pleased with what he’s done so far. It’s a competitive race as you’d expect and we’ll hope for the best. I think he’ll cope with the conditions, I don’t think it will be worse for him than any of the other horses. He’s got a chance.

Chris Gordon, trainer of On The Slopes
The ground doesn’t look ideal for him, so I’ll walk the track when I get there and judge for myself.

Evan Williams, trainer of Golden Whisky
He's a young horse and he gives the impression he's got plenty of talent. I don't know if he's necessarily the most straightforward, albeit he's not done a lot wrong, and I know he will handle the ground.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of My Way
He might just have needed the confidence boost at Sandown after having that fall. He is well capable of going close if he puts his best foot forward.

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