National Hunt Racing > Saturday December 20th

[Aidymac]

Ascot 3:30 - Ladbroke(HANDICAP HURDLE) (Grade 3) (1) 2m The Skelton yard have been flying this season and they had a breath-taking winner in the form of Value At Risk during the week who looks certain to go onto better things. They have another very smart horse running here in the shape of Shelford, a 5 year old gelding out of Galileo, top breeding. Shelford has done nothing but impress this season, bolting up over 2m4f at Chepstow and beat Aubusson at the same venue soon after in a Grade 3. Aubusson went on to win the Fixed Brush Hurdle so the form looks rock solid. I think the Gordon Elliott team will have Bayan spot on for another big run, he was given a spin on the flat at Leopardstown in September and will be cherry ripe on Saturday. Bayan - 1 Point each-way @ 12/1 Bet365 Read Full Preview @ http://www.punterslounge.com/ascot-ladbroke-hurdle-tip-the-irish-can-snatch-another-big-pot-in-the-uk-with-bayan

[Aidymac]

Re: National Hunt Racing > Saturday December 20th Ascot 2:25 - Jlt Long Walk Hurdle(Grade 1) (1) 3m1f Paul Nicholls is flying at the moment and Zarkandar is a worthy favourite for the Long Walk Hurdle at around the 5/4 mark after winning over 3 miles at Auteuil last time out. The 7 year old has won 10 of his 23 starts to date and he has won some big races in the past, including the Triumph Hurdle in 2011, the Betfair Hurdle and the Aintree Hurdle. He was also 4th in the Champion Hurdle in the past and ran well when 4th in the World Hurdle last March so if he brings his best to the table you can only see one winner. I have had a small bet on the Pipe horse Dell' Arca who has shown some great form over hurdles. He didn't take to the fences this season and can run a good race going up in trip. Dell' Arca - 1 Point WIN @ 14/1 William Hill Read Full Preview @ http://www.punterslounge.com/ascot-long-walk-hurdle-tip-have-a-small-investment-on-dell-arca-in-a-tricky-affair

[beaker1]

Re: National Hunt Racing > Saturday December 20th ASCOT 1.15PM – THE DAVID JOHNSON SHAWBROOK BANK GRADUATION CHASE PUFFIN BILLY has a great record at Ascot, winning all three starts and he looks the one to beat in this. He really impressed me last time out, jumping well and staying on strongly at Ascot and over this extended trip, he could be even better. The yard is in fair form and the ground is in his favour, so a big run is expected. Irish Saint is the obvious danger and is very much respected, but he was beaten too easily for me last time out and he has to concede three pounds, so he will need to put in a classy performance to win. ASCOT 2.25PM – THE JLT LONG WALK HURDLE ZARKANDAR is a top class hurdler that has won 9 of his 20 starts over hurdles. His first attempt at three miles was in the World Hurdle and he stayed on to finish a fair fourth, ahead of both Reve De Sivola and Medinas and followed it up with another decent run, this time at Aintree. He has since run twice over three miles in France, finishing third on his first visit and then easily winning at Auteuil in November on soft ground. That looked an improved run and connections believe that he can develop into a serious World Hurdle horse this season. He is still only seven and faces a relatively easy task here for a Grade One and he is the top rated horse. It is also worth noting that on his five starts going right-handed over hurdles, he has won three and finished second on the other two occasions to top horses. He deserves to be favourite and should be odds on in my eyes and should win.