Today’s action
The weather will dictate which race meetings go ahead in Britain today, with Storm Dennis threatening to disrupt the domestic programme. Ascot, set to stage the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase, Haydock, Wincanton and Lingfield (aw) are all inspecting this morning to determine whether racing can take place.
If Ascot’s card does beat the elements, the Paul Nicholls-trained Cyrname is sure to attract plenty of attention in the Betfair Ascot Chase (2m5f), having ended Altior’s winning sequence over course and distance in November. Johnny de la Hey’s gelding was subsequently a well-beaten second behind stable companion Clan Des Obeaux in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (3m) is one of the supporting races at Ascot and has attracted a field of six. The Anthony Honeyball-trained Sam Brown, racing for owner-breeder Tim Frost, bids for his third straight success this season after facile wins at Lingfield and Haydock.
Staying will be the name of the game at Haydock with the heavy ground certain to sort the men from the boys. Eleven runners go to post for the Grade 3 Unibet Grand National Trial (3m4½f) and Lord Du Mesnil will be fancied to follow up his decisive victory over course and distance in December.
Wincanton’s meeting features the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle (1m7½f). Elgin, who captured the prize in 2018 for the Alan King stable, has been off the track for 582 days, last seen when disappointing on the Flat at Newmarket.
Racing is also scheduled to take place today on the Tapeta at Newcastle while the headline race on Gowran’s card is the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase (2m4f).
Chrome in recovery
Dual US Horse of the Year California Chrome is recovering from a bout of enteritis in Japan.
Having arrived in the Far East for the covering season, the nine-year-old was described as having suffered “minor enteritis” though his condition is said to be improving every day.
California Chrome stood his first three seasons at Kentucky’s Taylor Made Farm, having also shuttled to Chile in 2017 and 2018.
