The waiting is over! Patiently primed for Ascot Chase return

3.55 Ascot
Betfair Ascot Chase | Grade 1 | 2m5f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

It has been a season of hard luck so far for Waiting Patiently but that could change if he defends his crown successfully in the Ascot Chase.

He was fancied and going well in the King George, but when Bristol De Mai crashed out he also brought down Ruth Jefferson's runner. Lack of rain has otherwise kept him off the track but with soft in Ascot's going description, his chance has finally come.

Waiting Patiently's win in this race a year ago was a poignant one with trainer Malcolm passing away just a fortnight earlier and his daughter Ruth taking over. Now she is eager for a second win in the race.

She said: "It was disappointing at Kempton, of all the things I thought might happen, him falling like that wasn't one of them. He has been fine since and does everything I ask him to. He deserves a bit of luck.

"Everything fell into place with his preparation last season but it has been much more difficult this year. We had a few options of where to go and this was one of them having won the race last season. He's only run once this year, so it's hard to say if there's any more improvement to come; we'll have to find out."

Waiting Patiently (white) brought down by Bristol De Mai in the King George in DecemberCredit: Mark Cranham

"We've always thought this sort of trip was ideal for him. We thought he would stay three [miles] but we never found out. I think it will be a strongly run affair but he settles well and pops away over those fences. If he could win it again it would be lovely for everyone involved."

Cyrname and Politologue form strong hand for Nicholls

Paul Nicholls has won this race three times and is strongly represented with two runners in the Grade 1 event.

The popular grey Politologue is two from two at the track and is back down in trip after failing to see out three miles when fourth in the King George. Cyrname returns to Graded company after his front-running demolition at Ascot last time.

Nicholls said: "It's a toss up between who is the better and I don't expect there to be much between them. Cyrname won by 21 lengths last time and is up in class as he has to be. He should go well, whereas Politologue is back in distance as he didn't stay the trip in the King George."

Fox Norton on preparation mission for Ryanair

The Tizzards believe Fox Norton may need one more run to reach his peak, but connections are still expecting a good performance from their classy nine-year-old. He finished a respectable second to Altior in the Clarence House here on his return a month ago.

Joe Tizzard, assistant to trainer Colin, said: "It's a solid race and we can’t wait to see how he gets on. We wanted to get another run into him before Cheltenham and arguably the best of his form is over two-and-a-half miles when he won at Aintree [Melling Chase 2017].

Fox Norton: could be better suited to this longer trip

"He is a very good horse on his day. He's no back number in this field but I do think he might just improve from this run."

Tizzard has one eye on the Ryanair, for which Fox Norton is a general 10-1 chance. "I'm confident this is his best trip but we'll know where we are after this race," he said. "We think he's improved from his run against Altior but we don't think we would beat him [in a Champion Chase]. Perhaps his best chance will be in a Ryanair."

Outsiders Aso or Charbel cannot be discounted

Nine-year-old Aso is enjoying the season of his life for Venetia Williams after winning valuable handicaps in impressive style at Newbury and Cheltenham. He gets his fifth attempt in Grade 1 company.

"It looks a competitive race but he deserves to take his chance," said Williams. "He won well on New Year’s Day and has come out of that race really well. It's a mini-Ryanair really, so hopefully we can run well here before heading back to the main event."

Kim Bailey's Charbel is the lowest-rated runner in the field but has enjoyed a good campaign, winning the Peterborough Chase by eight lengths on his penultimate start.

Bailey said: "He is the lowest-rated horse in the race, so he'll need a big step up. His season has gone well but I think tomorrow will be a completely different ballgame, quite honestly. He's in good form and we are happy with him; it would be great if we could finish close up."

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