By Anita Chambers
Bergerac can prove the solution to the Always Gamble Responsibly With BetUK Handicap at Newcastle.
The six-year-old has rarely run a bad race on the all-weather and enjoyed one of the biggest wins of his career when landing the Gosforth Park Cup over this five-furlong course back in June.
He subsequently performed with credit in two ultra-competitive heats at York and then again in the Portland at Doncaster before taking a fine third in the Ayr Silver Cup last time out.
Bergerac emerged best of those to race on his side but ultimately Alfa Kellenic was a couple of lengths too good and the handicapper has edged him up 1lb for his troubles too.
A mark of 92 is still slightly below his highest winning perch, though, and refreshed after a short break, Kevin Ryan’s charge could take some beating.
Lemurian is one to watch for John and Thady Gosden in the Always Gamble Responsibly With BetMGM EBF Novice Stakes.
A son of Dubawi out of Montare, he is a full brother to Group One winner Journey, as well as the likes of Indigo Girl and Mimikyu.
Gidleigh Park is sure to attract plenty of attention at Ascot as he has his first run over fences.
The Copybet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase looks a tough enough test, with Uttoxeter winner Rare Edition and recent Ascot second Bad in the line-up, but trainer Harry Fry has made no secret of the regard in which this gelding is held.
Winner of his only bumper start, when he beat the 148-rated The Jukebox Man, Gidleigh Park then impressed with two easy novice hurdle wins before successfully switching up to Grade Two level to triumph on Cheltenham’s Festival trials day in January.
Gidleigh Park fell short when sixth in the Albert Bartlett in March but has always been expected to shine once switched to the bigger obstacles.
Joyeuse is the pick in the Troy Asset Management “Introductory” Hurdle for Nicky Henderson.
Bought for €235,000 after winning on her only start in France, she was limited to just one outing last term but did triumph in decent style in a Taunton maiden hurdle.
That race has produced eight subsequent winners, which gives the form a very pleasing look, although Celtic Dino may prove a worthy adversary.
Gemirande is backed to return to form in the Copybet Handicap Chase.
He looked smart in the 2022-23 season, progressing from a mark of 116 to 135 before a lengthy lay-off, but last term was limited to just three runs in the spring, none of which were particularly eye-catching.
However, Gemirande has dropped a little in the weights now and should appreciate the better ground that Ascot offers.
Tommys Charm let down favourite backers last time but can make amends in Chepstow’s Noahs Ark Childrens Hospital Charity Handicap Chase, while Kilbarry Hill has another nice opportunity in the Jumps Season Free Trial On RacingTV Novices’ Hurdle at Catterick.
Friday racing tips
ASCOT: 12.20 First Confession, 12.55 Gidleigh Park, 1.30 Joyeuse, 2.05 Gemirande, 2.40 Alnilam, 3.15 Regarde, 3.50 Calvino.
CATTERICK: 12.05 You Some Girl, 12.40 Character Testing, 1.15 Imperial Rule, 1.50 Dream Jet, 2.25 Kilbarry Hill, 3.00 Just Loose Change, 3.32 Mighty Gesture.
CHEPSTOW: 12.30 Western Article, 1.05 Just Over Land, 1.40 Byzantium, 2.15 Tommys Charm, 2.50 Haas Boy, 3.25 Boyles Hill, 3.59 Sinnatra.
DUNDALK: 5.00 Vanilla Baby, 5.30 Jackie Brown, 6.00 Imperial Dream, 6.30 Purview, 7.00 Nuit, 7.30 Permission Tospeak, 8.00 Comfort Line, 8.30 Nusra.
NEWCASTLE: 3.39 Laudable, 4.10 Blue Lakota, 4.40 Lemurian, 5.15 BERGERAC (NAP), 5.45 Jumeira Vision, 6.15 Brummell, 6.45 Last Outlaw, 7.15 Mumcat, 7.45 Ana Emaraaty.
TIPPERARY: 12.12 Cullig, 12.47 Irish Impulse, 1.22 Mic Drop, 1.57 Toor Khov, 2.32 Milanaway, 3.07 Conyers Hill, 3.42 Nas Na Riogh.
DOUBLE: Joyeuse and Bergerac