Thistle Ask Aims to Upset Favorites in Clarence House Chase – A Deep Dive into Saturday’s Ascot Showdown
Ascot Racecourse is set to host a thrilling afternoon of National Hunt racing this Saturday, headlined by the Grade One Clarence House Chase. While the spotlight shines on established stars like Il Etait Temps, a compelling narrative is building around a rapidly improving chaser: Thistle Ask. Purchased for a modest £11,000 in May,Thistle Ask is currently undervalued at around 7-1 and presents a genuine upset threat to the heavily favored contenders.this article provides an in-depth analysis of the Clarence House Chase, focusing on the key contenders, recent form, and the factors that make Thistle Ask a compelling prospect for victory.
The Clarence House Chase: A Championship two-Mile Test
The clarence House Chase is a prestigious race in the National Hunt calendar, consistently attracting top-class two-mile chasers. Historically, it has served as a key stepping stone towards the Cheltenham Festival, often acting as a crucial prep race for the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The demanding Ascot track, with its uphill finish, tests stamina and jumping prowess, rewarding horses with both speed and resilience. This year’s renewal promises to be a especially exciting contest, pitting proven champions against emerging talents.
Key Contenders: A Clash of Styles and Form
This year’s Clarence House Chase boasts a high-quality field, with three horses dominating the pre-race discussion:
- Il Etait Temps: Currently the clear favorite, Il Etait Temps boasts an extraordinary unbeaten record since his novice season. He is the highest-rated two-mile chaser in training, demonstrating consistent performance and a clear aptitude for the distance. However, the pressure of maintaining that unbeaten run and the challenge from improving rivals could test his mettle.
- Jonbon: A wonderfully consistent performer,Jonbon has been a mainstay in top-level two-mile chases. Now under the guidance of Harry Cobden, who has been announced as JP McManus’s No. 1 rider,the combination is a formidable one. Recent runs, though, have hinted that Jonbon might potentially be approaching the peak of his powers, raising questions about whether he can recapture his best form.
- Thistle Ask: The dark horse of the race, Thistle Ask has undergone a remarkable change since joining Dan Skelton’s yard. His rapid progression, coupled with a favorable price, makes him an increasingly attractive proposition.
Thistle Ask: From Humble Beginnings to Grade One Contender
The story of Thistle Ask is a testament to the skill of trainer Dan Skelton and the potential hidden within seemingly modest purchases. Acquired for just £11,000 in May, Thistle Ask has quickly ascended through the ranks, winning his first start for Skelton off a mark of 115. he then embarked on a four-timer,culminating in a decisive 10-length victory in the Desert Orchid Handicap Chase at Kempton’s Christmas meeting.
This Kempton victory was particularly noteworthy. while the opposition wasn’t of the same caliber as the rivals he faces at Ascot, the visual impression was striking. Thistle Ask displayed a strong front-running style, backed up by a strong time figure, pushing his Timeform rating to 162 – within 6lb of last year’s Clarence House Chase winner, Jonbon. This demonstrates the meaningful progress he has made and suggests he is more than capable of competing at the highest level.
The Cobden Factor and potential Vulnerabilities
The appointment of Harry Cobden as JP McManus’s No. 1 rider adds another layer of intrigue to the race. Cobden’s partnership with Jonbon is highly anticipated, but it remains to be seen whether the change in rider will revitalize the 10-year-old. While Jonbon’s consistency is admirable, recent performances suggest a slight decline, raising concerns about his ability to withstand the challenge from Thistle Ask and Il Etait Temps.
Il Etait temps, despite his impressive record, will be facing a significant step up in competition. While he has remained unbeaten, the caliber of horses he has faced has been relatively modest. The Clarence House Chase represents a true test of his championship credentials, and the pressure of maintaining his perfect record could prove to be a factor.
Beyond the Clarence House: Other Notable Races on the Ascot Card
Saturday’s Ascot card features several other compelling races:
- Haydock 1:25 – Old Park Star: Nicky Henderson’s Old park Star appears to be a leading contender for the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham,and a strong performance here would solidify his position.
- Ascot 1:40 – La Conquiere: Unbeaten in two starts over hurdles, La Conquiere looks poised to make a successful step up to Grade Two company.
- Haydock 2:00 – Johnnywho: A strong-travelling type,Johnnywho could benefit from a front-running duel between Myretown and Konfusion.
- Ascot 2:20 – scarface: Joe Tizzard’s Scarface, having bounced back from a disappointing run, looks well-placed to reverse the form with Etalon.
- Ascot 2:53 – Came From Nowhere: A step up in trip triggered significant advancement at Hereford, suggesting Came From nowhere can follow up despite a 7lb rise.
Greg Wood’s Saturday Tips – A Wider Perspective
Renowned racing tipster Greg Wood highlights several other potential winners across the country, including Thistle Ask in the Clarence House Chase (nap). His selections provide a broader perspective on the day’s racing and offer valuable insights for punters. (See full list of tips here)
conclusion: An Upset Brewing in the Clarence House Chase?
The Clarence House Chase promises to be a captivating contest, with a compelling clash of established stars and emerging talents.while Il Etait Temps and Jonbon are rightfully respected, Thistle Ask’s rapid improvement, combined with his attractive odds, makes him a serious contender. His front-running style, strong form, and the astute training of Dan Skelton suggest he is capable of causing a major upset. The race is poised to be a thrilling spectacle,and the outcome remains far from certain. As the horses line up at Ascot, all eyes will be on whether Thistle Ask can continue his fairytale rise and claim a Grade One victory.
Looking ahead, the Clarence House Chase will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the two-mile chasing division. The performances of these key contenders will have significant implications for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, setting the stage for another epic battle in March.
