L’Homme Presse is set to face three rivals as he puts his Cheltenham Gold Cup aspirations to the test in the upcoming Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday.
Having returned from a year-long break in remarkable form, the nine-year-old triumphed in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield last month. Now, he sets his sights on Grade One glory over a challenging two-mile, five-furlong course in the picturesque county of Berkshire.
An enthralling rematch awaits as Venetia Williams’ charge takes on Ahoy Senor, as the duo has secured the top two spots in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase during the esteemed Festival in 2022. Nevertheless, Lucinda Russell-trained Ahoy Senor has struggled to find his rhythm this season, with lacklustre performances in his first two outings, only to bounce back with a commendable fourth-place finish in the Cotswold Chase. Paul Nicholls, a familiar name in the horse racing world, fields Pic D’Orhy, who narrowly missed out on victory to Shishkin in last year's renewal.
The lineup is completed by the inclusion of the outsider Sail Away, while Joseph O’Brien has made the decision to withdraw Fakir d’Oudairies. Nicholls also has a contender in the Sodexho Live! Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase, where Brave Kingdom takes centre stage in a field consisting of five formidable participants.
Notable contenders in this race include Kilbeg King, skillfully trained by Anthony Honeyball, and Apple Away from the stable of Lucinda Russell. The competition reaches its pinnacle with the inclusion of Henry’s Friend and The King Of Ryhope, ensuring a thrilling contest for all racing enthusiasts.