The final day of the Berkshire Winter Millions Festival saw a thrilling clash between Jello, Protektorat and Pic D’orhy in the Fleur de Lys Chase at Windsor.
3.05 Windsor – Jello, Protektorat and Pic D’Orhy clash Fleur de Lys Chase
Star update to this feature Fleur de Lys Chase see Ryanair Chase winner protectorate title field eight.
Dan Skelton’s ten-year-old has yet to show his best form this season and, trailing by six lengths to rival Jello, should go ahead with a return to the left-hand track as a plus.
The Venetia Williams trained The work He produced the best effort of his career when claiming the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon last month and he appreciates the huge risk he faces as he steps up the trip.
Paul Nicholls’ Pic D’Orhy ran the 1965 Chase at Ascot in November before missing the Kempton engagement due to bad weather.
1.55 Windsor – Fantasy of Matata and the unexpected party
The Nigel Twiston-Davies-training Skills: Headed by new pilot JJ Slevin, he’ll have to find this track to his liking, but he’ll have to defy a career high to hit it. Fitzdares Great Park Handicap Chase over two miles.
Big annual winner An unexpected party returns to handicap company having excelled in the Schloer Chase at Cheltenham.He will have all-round demands on his form selection for the Skelton team.
Others to mention include Paul Nichols Without noisemeanwhile Harper’s Brook suggests following Wetherby’s promising success.
12.10 Windsor – Gingko Blue headlines a field of three
Nicky Henderson’s six year old Ginko Blue Had a super round of jumps on his fencing debut at Uttoxeter in a strong Novices Handicap and this is a good opportunity for him to make it 2-2 in the Grade 2 Hampton Novices reshuffle.
Philip Hobbs and Johnson White Lowry’s Bar he has won two of his three chase starts and he already looks a lot better chaser than hurdler. He will be hoping to take advantage of that jumping experience and identify any weaknesses in the likely Seven Barrows favourite.
Being declared non-participating on Friday, Johnny Who? will be more at home over this extra distance but should be jumped with more enthusiasm than his last effort at Ascot.
The best of the rest
Promising Jubilee Alpha goes toe-to-toe with Harry Derham’s Barrabool in the Fitzdares Mares Novice Hurdle (12.45pm) over two miles at Windsor, with Blue also in the mix from Emma Lavelle’s yard.
at 1:20 p.m. Guard duty looks like one to watch, beaten by just a narrow drop on the tour at Lingfield on the last day.Gavin Sheehan’s mount might be better in this Winter Million Rookie Handicapalthough State officer could be a challenge if he gets back to his best.
Zipcot will be popular among punters in the Weatherbys Racing Bank Handicap Hurdle following his impressive display under Keelan Woods at Newbury, although it would be dangerous to discount a return. Minella rocket.
Internationally, set your alarms to follow Zac Purton’s continued pursuit of the all-time jockey wins record in Hong Kong, currently held by Douglas White.
At 7am Purton heads to the King of the Hong Kong Sprint Ka Ying Rising In the first group Sprint Centennial Cupwho has won eight in a row for David Hayes.Then things look up Stewards Cup at 8.05 a.m. with James MacDonald’s Mt Travel balloon Hot favorite to claim the £748,000 pot.
