1.00pm Ascot – Sizing Tennessee 2pts Win (7/4)
Sternrubin is top rated in this race and he ran very well on Chase debut when not beaten far by Yanworth, but I can’t really take that form at face value and much prefer Sizing Tennessee. He’s got some solid form in the book with a couple of good runs in Novice Chases at Cheltenham last season and he wasn’t beaten far by Black Corton on his seasonal reappearance. Also he may well have beaten that same rival last time if not suffering grief at the second from home. If his jumping holds up, I think he’ll take all the beating.
1.50pm Catterick – Thumb Stone Blues 2pts Win (7/2)
Thumb Stone Blues has proved a model of consistency for Kim Bailey, only finishing outside of the first 2 on one occasion (even that was only third). His run behind The Tourard Man over hurdles when last seen in a handicap is a strong piece of form and the second placed runner in his Chase debut has since won well. Cheekpieces are applied for the first time today and I think after hitting the frame a few times these should aid him in putting it all in at the finish.
2.05pm Ascot – Mr One More 2pts Win (7/2)
It’s great to see Kayf Grace back on the track, but she’s been off almost a year and on ground which might not quite be testing enough for her, she might just need this. Preference is for Mr One More for the bang in-form Harry Fry stable. The form of his bumper win is working out well with the three in behind rated 127, 130 and 139 and on hurdles debut he beat a horse called Summerville Boy who has since ran a blinder in a Grade 2 when not beaten far by Slate House. He has to give weight away, but I’m expecting a big run.
3.50pm Ascot – Peter The Mayo Man 1pt Each Way (8/1)
A classy animal for Neil Mulholland last season, Peter The Mayo Man was last seen competing in Grade 1 company at the Punchestown Festival where he was well beaten. Back in much calmer waters today he should put up a bold show off top weight. On his only handicap start to date he dispatched his rivals off a mark of 130 and is 7lbs higher today which shouldn’t pose too many issues. His third in the Grade 2 Dovecote at Kempton reads well and if his move to Paul Nicholl’s brings out even more improvement, he’ll go very close.
AP Racing 
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