'There’s plenty to like' - can Do Your Job bounce back in Ascot handicap chase?

Friday: 2.05 Ascot
Royal Ascot Racing Club Handicap Chase | 2m5f | 4yo+ | Sky

Do Your Job was a well-beaten sixth when backed into 5-2 favouritism for the Old Roan Chase last month, with Luca Morgan doing well to maintain the partnership with the eight-year-old when he made a major error at the fourth-last fence.

It’s pure speculation as to how close he would have got without that blunder, but the form of that Aintree reappearance received a significant boost when the third, Ga Law, won the Paddy Power Gold Cup on his next start.

Michael Scudamore has given his Grade 2-winning novice chaser a wind operation since and should that have the desired effect, Do Your Job could be a big player down from graded company, although he is yet to win at a right-handed track.

Six of the 13 runners were pulled up on their previous starts, so there is an element of assessing who should be forgiven a poor run.

Espoir De Guye, who won this race in 2020 off a 3lb lower mark, is one that falls in this category having made a race-ending mistake at the first fence at Cheltenham’s April meeting.

Espoir De Guye has not been seen since and with form figures of 2211 when returning from more than 100 days off the track since his debut for Venetia Williams, he must be respected after a break.

Elixir De Nutz failed to complete in competitive two-mile events at Cheltenham and Aintree in the spring but the step up in trip should suit the former Tolworth Hurdle winner.

Revels Hill brings winning form into the race, but this is surely a prep run for major marathon contests deeper into the winter months.
Race analysis by Charlie Huggins

What they say

Michael Scudamore, trainer of Do Your Job
He was just getting into the race at Aintree on his comeback when he made a mistake four out, which knocked the stuffing out of him. He’s since had his wind tightened up, which is something we had in mind for a while, and he goes there fit and well. He goes on most ground so there’s plenty to like.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Tamaroc Du Mathan
He never travelled or jumped on his comeback at Market Rasen when he had a good look at the white boards, despite schooling over them at home. Hopefully he’s got that out of his system and we are hoping for a better run.

Janika: one of two runners for Nicky HendersonCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Janika and Bothwell Bridge
Janika didn’t show much last season until he ran seventh in the Topham Trophy at Aintree last time, when he seemed to enjoy the National fences. This looks a good starting point for him and he won’t mind the ground. Bothwell Bridge was brilliant on his chase debut at Sandown last December but not so good after that. He’s got plenty of potential and is ready to go.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Flegmatik
I don’t think he’s that well handicapped, but he’s ready to start back and loves right-handed tracks. He won’t mind any ease in the ground.

Harry Fry, trainer of Revels Hill
He ended last season on a high with two wins around Taunton and this looks a nice race to get his season under way. He’s back in trip and hopefully this will be a nice stepping stone in his second season over fences.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Your Darling
It’s a good race, but he’s in good form and goes well fresh. I don’t think he’ll be far away and he won’t mind the ground unless it’s bottomless.

Robert Walford, trainer of Foxboro
He’s at the right end of the handicap, but it looks a strong race and this is very much a starting point to his season.
Reporting by David Milnes

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