14:40 Ascot
The Winkworth Handicap Chase is a Class 3 run over two miles and five furlongs and has attracted a field of seven.
Horizontal Speed moved from the Philip Hobbs yard over the summer and is now trained by David Dennis. He was a good fourth in a Listed Chase at Cheltenham in March beaten only three lengths by Irish Cavalier. He was well beaten on his first run for his new yard but that was in a much tougher race than today and he will enjoy the underfoot conditions.
Back To Bracka won last time out at Ayr and the second horse in that race has come out since and won to give the form plenty of credibility. He is upped five pounds for that win and I wonder if that may be enough to stop him as this is a stronger looking race.
Tenor Nivernais is running for the first time this season but Venetia Williams is usually spot on with getting her runners ready and he won this time last year at Kempton off the same mark as today. He has run in higher class races since then including at the festival in March where he finished mid division in a longer distance race than today. Assuming he is right for today he is a big player.
Ballinvarrig has slipped down the weights a little since winning at Kempton in December last year and was pulled up in his last race at Stratford in March. He is also coming back from a decent enough break and based on his last few runs it is hard to see him being involved today unless the drop back in trip really suits him.
Squire Trelawney won a Class 4 chase at Wincanton last time out but has been raised six pounds and this is a step up in class so it would take a big effort to win this.
Tenor Nivernais goes well fresh and loves softer ground, therefore I think he is the one to be on today and is a confident selection.
Today's Selection
Ascot 14:40 Tenor Nivernais - 1 point @ 3/1 (Paddy Power, Boylesport)