Ascot Placepot: Saturday November 3

Nicholls and Henderson both have chances at Ascot

Timeform's Tony McFadden brings you a suggested Placepot permutation from Ascot...

12:50- This novices' handicap hurdle doesn't look like the easiest opening leg of a Placepot, so we will include a few to help our chances of progression. Brick Red shaped quite nicely on his seasonal return at Cheltenham, travelling well for a long way before seemingly finding a lack of fitness telling in the closing stages. Still unexposed, Brick Red can show the benefit of that run and make the frame here. Another interesting horse to keep onside is Greenlaw. A winner when last seen for Oliver Sherwood, Greenlaw is now in the care of Charlie Longsdon and, while he has a bit to find on the bare form, it would be no surprise to see significant improvement. Oscar's Secret was much improved when finishing second at Wincanton last time and he may still be capable of better.

13:25- Hadrian's Approach looks like the type to make an impact over fences and representing top connections he is the first horse to make the perm. Mick Channon has already had a bit of success with the horses that he has inherited from Henrietta Knight and Ballypatrick is worth including.

14:00- My Tent Or Yours looked progressive in bumpers last year, winning at Ludlow and signing off for the year with a good effort at Aintree. We will bank on him to see us through.

14:35- Claret Cloak is certainly worth considering, having made such a striking impression during his novice season, winning at Sandown and Newbury. He enters handicap company here on what looks to be a fair mark and it would be no surprise were Emma Lavelle's charge to make a bold bid here. Ile de Re may ultimately need further over hurdles to produce his absolute best, but he is still more than capable of making the places, considering how lenient his hurdle rating looks relative to his new Flat mark.

15:10- The first horse that took my eye in this competitive handicap was Frisco Depot. Having produced some good efforts in novice company when trained by Dessie Hughes last year, Frisco Depot, now under the care of Charlie Longsdon, makes his reappearance on a nice weight and holds obvious claims. Tullamore Dew certainly comes with risks attached, his jumping having let him down on more than one occasion, but he is well treated on the pick of his form and he ran well at this venue last year.

15:45- A final leg banker presents itself in the form of Michael Flips. His proven ability to go well fresh is an undoubted positive, as is good record at the course. His jumping has often let him down in the past, but those problems seemed to be largely ironed out last year and he is relied upon to secure the Placepot spoils.

Selections:
12:50- 1, 5, 7
13:25- 2, 3
14:00- 3
14:35- 9, 14
15:10- 8, 10
15:45- 1
= 24 lines

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