Weekend racing

The big race at Ascot this weekend predictably saw Master Minded romping home to victory. Of more interest to us though was our winning tip on Zaynar in the earlier 12.30 which set us up nicely for the day

Some cracking racing up and down the country with Ascot and Haydock Park ruling the roost. Of course the big race of the day is the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot (due off at 2.15), but sadly this event, no longer a handicap will probably be a non event with Master Minded only needing to put in a clear round to win. He has over two and a half stone in hand of his rivals, enough said.

So where do we possibly make our dosh this weekend? Well I fancy having a couple of wagers at Haydock Park.

The Peter Marsh Chase due off at 1.55 looks very complex despite there only being 11 runners declared for this valuable event and although five or six can be fancied off their current marks I am expecting Opera Mundi to go very close for the all-conquering Paul Nicholls. He was strongly fancied to bounce back to form at Cheltenham last time out, but for some reason seemed to blow up coming down the hill for the final time and finished a very tame sixth behind Joe Lively.

Arguably better on a flatter track, the seven-year-old still appears to be fairly well weighted and as long as he gets his preferred give in the ground I expect a massive run on a track which suits his style of racing.

Of his rivals I have a lot of time for Montgermont, he may have bounced last time out at Newcastle following a good running on effort at Newbury after a spell on the sidelines, while Glasker Mill is so much better than he showed in the Welsh National last time out and his in form yard expect to pick up a nice prize with him this season off his current mark of 135.

Back at Ascot, Zaynar should further enhance his Triumph Hurdle claims in the opener at 12.30, while giving weight away to one and all, Calgary Bay will have his Cheltenham Festival credentials tested to the full by the likes of Free World and Banjo Bere.

There are several interesting wagers on the all-weather including Can Can Star in the 1.50 at Lingfield and then Ebraam in the sprint at 2.55.

The last named is particularly interesting off a mark of 96. Forget his run last time out as he couldn’t be hidden in the pack, as is his want. A flourishing last furlong run down the outside will be port of call and he can see off the likes of Internationaldebut and The Game.