2m5f Howden Graduation Chase (Class 2)
Pencilfulloflead heads an interesting looking field in the Graduation Chase over at Ascot. A talented novice last year, he held some impressive form against several strong novice chasers. And although I’d expect him to run well on his seasonal reappearance, Pencilfulloflead has run all of his best races on soft/heavy ground so at 6/5, he’s must be worth taking on with this quicker surface.
The most likely up and coming rival could be L’Homme Presse but a chance is taken on MESSIRE DES OBEAUX being far too good for this opposition. Now a nine-year-old, Messire Des Obeaux is a former Grade 1 Challow Novice Hurdle winner for Alan King.
Messire Des Obeaux has had plenty of bad luck with injury, but generally runs very well fresh and the reports from connections and jockey have been positive on the work he has shown at home. If the Messire Des Obeaux that beat Protektorat by four lengths shows up then he should have plenty in hand on his rivals and 6/1 feels just about fair compensation for his fragile fitness record.
1pt win Messire Des Obeaux @6/1, 13:15 Ascot, Saturday
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