December 20 / 15.40 Ascot

15.40

Good

King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open National Hunt Flat Race (Listed Race) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £14237.5
  • 1m 7f 152y
  • Class 1
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open National Hunt Flat Race (Listed Race) (GBB Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: NH Flat

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 121 D

Last run: 83 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won at Cork (2m1f, good) in July, before second at Ballinrobe and winning in good style at Listowel (2m, soft) in September; changed hands and left Pat Flynn; the latest performance in particular suggests he is a leading player, for trainer who won this race in 2018 and 2019 when he last contested it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

15

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Windbeneathmywings

11st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won at Cork (2m1f, good) in July, before second at Ballinrobe and winning in good style at Listowel (2m, soft) in September; changed hands and left Pat Flynn; the latest performance in particular suggests he is a leading player, for trainer who won this race in 2018 and 2019 when he last contested it.

5/1

1st

15

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Windbeneathmywings

11st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Won at Cork (2m1f, good) in July, before second at Ballinrobe and winning in good style at Listowel (2m, soft) in September; changed hands and left Pat Flynn; the latest performance in particular suggests he is a leading player, for trainer who won this race in 2018 and 2019 when he last contested it.

5/1

1st

2

28th Sep 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

17:40 Listowel

Windbeneathmywings

11st 12lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: Patrick J Flynn

Made a winning debut when taking a Cork bumper in July over this trip; was a solid second at Ballinrobe since under a penalty; this soft ground will be new territory but can be involved if handling it

4/1

11/4

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 1 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Brother to smart Irish jumper Minella Crooner (stays 3m); won his Irish maiden point in April and drew 6l clear when favourite for nine-runner bumper at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) in October despite flashing his tail; stable has plenty of good prospects among its youngsters and he's one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Moneygarrow

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Brother to smart Irish jumper Minella Crooner (stays 3m); won his Irish maiden point in April and drew 6l clear when favourite for nine-runner bumper at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) in October despite flashing his tail; stable has plenty of good prospects among its youngsters and he's one to note.

11/4

2nd

8

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Moneygarrow

11st 2lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

Brother to smart Irish jumper Minella Crooner (stays 3m); won his Irish maiden point in April and drew 6l clear when favourite for nine-runner bumper at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) in October despite flashing his tail; stable has plenty of good prospects among its youngsters and he's one to note.

11/4

1st

9

12th Oct 2024

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

17:10 Chepstow

Moneygarrow

11st 1lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

in touch with leaders

5/2

12/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 2

Last run: 223 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Dam bumper winner who won two Listed mares' hurdles for this trainer; second favourite, 8l second of 11 at Haydock (near 2m, good) in May was a promising start and the form gives him a fair shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Step Ahead

11st 2lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Don Cantillon

Dam bumper winner who won two Listed mares' hurdles for this trainer; second favourite, 8l second of 11 at Haydock (near 2m, good) in May was a promising start and the form gives him a fair shout.

12/1

3rd

11

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Step Ahead

11st 2lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Don Cantillon

Dam bumper winner who won two Listed mares' hurdles for this trainer; second favourite, 8l second of 11 at Haydock (near 2m, good) in May was a promising start and the form gives him a fair shout.

12/1

2nd

9

11th May 2024

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 3

16:25 Haydock

Step Ahead

11st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Don Cantillon

Fourth foal; dam bumper winner who won two Listed mares' hurdles for this trainer in 2013-14; Don Cantillon's last rules runner back in autumn 2022 won a bumper on debut (well backed); he was the morning favourite for his intended debut at Huntingdon on Thursday when a non-runner; very interesting.

5/2

Form: 2-1 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second to a talented rival at Ballinrobe (soft) in April and fetched 165,000euros in May; 11-8 favourite at Wincanton (1m7f, good) six weeks ago, against just three opponents and scoring by a neck but he should improve on that; No Drama This End may be stable first string on jockey bookings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Swingin Safari

11st 2lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

Second to a talented rival at Ballinrobe (soft) in April and fetched 165,000euros in May; 11-8 favourite at Wincanton (1m7f, good) six weeks ago, against just three opponents and scoring by a neck but he should improve on that; No Drama This End may be stable first string on jockey bookings.

20/1

4th

12

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Swingin Safari

11st 2lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

Second to a talented rival at Ballinrobe (soft) in April and fetched 165,000euros in May; 11-8 favourite at Wincanton (1m7f, good) six weeks ago, against just three opponents and scoring by a neck but he should improve on that; No Drama This End may be stable first string on jockey bookings.

20/1

1st

4

9th Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 2

16:05 Wincanton

Swingin Safari

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent, pressed leader over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on well inside final furlong, led towards finish

6/4

Form: 1 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Eighth foal; half-brother to five French winners including The Stomp (5.5f-1m Flat and useful 2m1f-2m6f hurdle/chase); 5-4 favourite for debut at Taunton (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago and got up by a length in the closing stages in that eight-runner race, looking capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Doctor Blue

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Eighth foal; half-brother to five French winners including The Stomp (5.5f-1m Flat and useful 2m1f-2m6f hurdle/chase); 5-4 favourite for debut at Taunton (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago and got up by a length in the closing stages in that eight-runner race, looking capable of better.

9/1

5th

2

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Doctor Blue

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Eighth foal; half-brother to five French winners including The Stomp (5.5f-1m Flat and useful 2m1f-2m6f hurdle/chase); 5-4 favourite for debut at Taunton (2m, good to soft) three weeks ago and got up by a length in the closing stages in that eight-runner race, looking capable of better.

9/1

1st

4

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

15:45 Taunton

Doctor Blue

11st 2lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Sam Thomas

Eighth foal; half-brother to five French winners including The Stomp (5.5f-1m Flat and smart 2m1f-2m6f hurdle/chase), Vlatan (2m1f-2m3f hurdle/chase) and Vim (1m1f-1m4f); dam French 1m-9.5f winner; yard takes these races seriously.

5/1

Form: 231 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bred to stay well; unraced on softer than good; placed in bumpers at Stratford and Worcester before winning one at Hereford; that form puts him well down this field on ratings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Presenting Milan

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Richard Hawker

Bred to stay well; unraced on softer than good; placed in bumpers at Stratford and Worcester before winning one at Hereford; that form puts him well down this field on ratings.

100/1

6th

10

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Presenting Milan

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Richard Hawker

Bred to stay well; unraced on softer than good; placed in bumpers at Stratford and Worcester before winning one at Hereford; that form puts him well down this field on ratings.

100/1

1st

3

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

16:05 Hereford

Presenting Milan

11st 0lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Richard Hawker

Closely related to winners Presenting Yeats (bumper/3m1f-3m2f hurdle) and Mr Yeats (2m4f-3m3f hurdle); placed in a pair of bumpers at Stratford and Worcester and likely to be thereabouts again; shortlisted.

11/4

9/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a point bumper in April and ten-runner bumper at Chepstow (again 2m on good to soft) in November; tongue tied when holding the upper hand in a sustained scrap last time and the form has been boosted by the second and third; one of many to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Its Top

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Oliver Signy

Won a point bumper in April and ten-runner bumper at Chepstow (again 2m on good to soft) in November; tongue tied when holding the upper hand in a sustained scrap last time and the form has been boosted by the second and third; one of many to consider.

9/1

7th

6

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Its Top

11st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Oliver Signy

Won a point bumper in April and ten-runner bumper at Chepstow (again 2m on good to soft) in November; tongue tied when holding the upper hand in a sustained scrap last time and the form has been boosted by the second and third; one of many to consider.

9/1

1st

5

6th Nov 2024

Good

2m 0f 11y

Class 5

16:05 Chepstow

Its Top

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Oliver Signy

took keen hold, raced wide early, in touch with leaders, hung right with one circuit to go, soon towards rear, rapid headway to lead back straight, briefly headed 3f out, ridden and edged right 1f out, kept on well

10/1

Form: 1 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
35,000euros 3yo; winning newcomers from the yard in bumpers are not frequent but he scored in clearcut style when 12-1 in eight-runner race at Wincanton (1m7f, good) in October, having travelled up smoothly to lead over 2f out; the form may not be great but the style left a good impression.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Tennessee Tango

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Joe Tizzard

35,000euros 3yo; winning newcomers from the yard in bumpers are not frequent but he scored in clearcut style when 12-1 in eight-runner race at Wincanton (1m7f, good) in October, having travelled up smoothly to lead over 2f out; the form may not be great but the style left a good impression.

9/1

8th

13

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Tennessee Tango

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Joe Tizzard

35,000euros 3yo; winning newcomers from the yard in bumpers are not frequent but he scored in clearcut style when 12-1 in eight-runner race at Wincanton (1m7f, good) in October, having travelled up smoothly to lead over 2f out; the form may not be great but the style left a good impression.

9/1

1st

5

27th Oct 2024

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

16:25 Wincanton

Tennessee Tango

11st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

travelled strongly, prominent, going best when led over 2f out, kept on well

10/1

Form: 2-

Last run: 300 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
45,000euros 3yo; 11-1, beaten nearly 2l when second of nine at Kempton (2m, soft) in February, running on well and showing plenty of promise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

16:45 Newbury

West Hill Verde

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Seamus Mullins

Positives to take from his first run at Kempton (soft) but still went off 50-1 for a Listed bumper at Ascot (good to soft) and never threatened to pose much of a challenge; opposable.

40/1

8th

9

8th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

16:45 Newbury

West Hill Verde

11st 7lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Seamus Mullins

Positives to take from his first run at Kempton (soft) but still went off 50-1 for a Listed bumper at Ascot (good to soft) and never threatened to pose much of a challenge; opposable.

40/1

9th

14

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

West Hill Verde

11st 2lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

45,000euros 3yo; 11-1, beaten nearly 2l when second of nine at Kempton (2m, soft) in February, running on well and showing plenty of promise.

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Eighth foal; brother to six winners including Can You Call (bumper/2m3f chase/2m4f hurdle), Finest View (bumper and 2m/2m1f hurdle) and Passing Call (2m/2m1f hurdle), half-brother to a point winner; dam bumper and useful 2m-2m1f hurdle/chase winner; this is a tough debut, though, surely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

15:48 Doncaster

Glance At Midnight

11st 2lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Andrew J Martin

From good jumping family but struggled to get competitive when 100-1 for Ascot Listed race on last month's debut; has sights lowered today but still needs significant improvement.

33/1

5th

5

24th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

15:48 Doncaster

Glance At Midnight

11st 2lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Andrew J Martin

From good jumping family but struggled to get competitive when 100-1 for Ascot Listed race on last month's debut; has sights lowered today but still needs significant improvement.

33/1

10th

5

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Glance At Midnight

11st 2lb

J: James Martin

T: Andrew J Martin

Eighth foal; brother to six winners including Can You Call (bumper/2m3f chase/2m4f hurdle), Finest View (bumper and 2m/2m1f hurdle) and Passing Call (2m/2m1f hurdle), half-brother to a point winner; dam bumper and useful 2m-2m1f hurdle/chase winner; this is a tough debut, though, surely.

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a British maiden point (2m4f, good to soft) in January and a ten-runner bumper at Uttoxeter (2m, good) seven weeks ago, in the latter always prominent and firmly in charge through the closing stages; looks open to plenty of progress with that run and experience under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Fresh Perspective

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Won a British maiden point (2m4f, good to soft) in January and a ten-runner bumper at Uttoxeter (2m, good) seven weeks ago, in the latter always prominent and firmly in charge through the closing stages; looks open to plenty of progress with that run and experience under his belt.

8/1

11th

3

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Fresh Perspective

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Won a British maiden point (2m4f, good to soft) in January and a ten-runner bumper at Uttoxeter (2m, good) seven weeks ago, in the latter always prominent and firmly in charge through the closing stages; looks open to plenty of progress with that run and experience under his belt.

8/1

1st

4

1st Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

16:22 Uttoxeter

Fresh Perspective

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

led, prominent when headed after 2f, ridden to lead over 1f out, clear inside final furlong, eased towards finish

10/1

Form: 1-2 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well on top in a big field at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in March and beaten a nose, having come from last to first in a six-runner race, over C&D (good) four weeks ago; good prospect with among the best form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Blues Singer

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Well on top in a big field at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in March and beaten a nose, having come from last to first in a six-runner race, over C&D (good) four weeks ago; good prospect with among the best form.

8/1

12th

1

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Blues Singer

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Well on top in a big field at Kempton (2m, good to soft) in March and beaten a nose, having come from last to first in a six-runner race, over C&D (good) four weeks ago; good prospect with among the best form.

8/1

2nd

1

22nd Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 152y

Class 3

15:50 Ascot

Blues Singer

11st 6lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

held up in last, good headway 2f out, led narrowly 1f out, soon ridden and edged left, headed post

7/4

16/1

Form: 1 CD

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
120,000euros 3yo; second foal; dam twice-raced French 2m1f hurdle winner; 17-2 and hooded when he made a winning first appearance by a neck in six-runner bumper over C&D (good) seven weeks ago, coming from last despite looking green; promising and from a top yard but he does not look their first string on jockey bookings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

7

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Kajikia

11st 2lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

120,000euros 3yo; second foal; dam twice-raced French 2m1f hurdle winner; 17-2 and hooded when he made a winning first appearance by a neck in six-runner bumper over C&D (good) seven weeks ago, coming from last despite looking green; promising and from a top yard but he does not look their first string on jockey bookings.

16/1

13th

7

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Kajikia

11st 2lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

120,000euros 3yo; second foal; dam twice-raced French 2m1f hurdle winner; 17-2 and hooded when he made a winning first appearance by a neck in six-runner bumper over C&D (good) seven weeks ago, coming from last despite looking green; promising and from a top yard but he does not look their first string on jockey bookings.

16/1

1st

5

2nd Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 2

16:20 Ascot

Kajikia

11st 2lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

held up in last, headway over 2f out, led narrowly 1f out, kept on well, ridden out

3/1

Form: 0/6-3

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Defeats at Cheltenham, Lingfield (AW) and Sedgefield (soft; third of six, looked set to win over 2f out) make him look one of the outsiders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Gallant Approach

11st 2lb

J: David Bass

T: Hughie Morrison

Defeats at Cheltenham, Lingfield (AW) and Sedgefield (soft; third of six, looked set to win over 2f out) make him look one of the outsiders.

66/1

4

20th Dec 2024

Good

1m 7f 152y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Gallant Approach

11st 2lb

J: David Bass

T: Hughie Morrison

Defeats at Cheltenham, Lingfield (AW) and Sedgefield (soft; third of six, looked set to win over 2f out) make him look one of the outsiders.

66/1

3rd

4

6th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

15:27 Sedgefield

Gallant Approach

11st 2lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Hughie Morrison

prominent, led and going best over 3f out, clear when ran green and unbalanced 2f out, reduced lead and faced challenge 1f out, no extra and headed inside final furlong, weakened and lost second inside final 110yds

100/30

Non-runners

No Drama This End

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.60
Straight Forecast £10.09
Trifecta £106.80

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Windbeneathmywings

SPOTLIGHT:

Step Ahead

The Times:

Moneygarrow

The Guardian:

Doctor Blue

POSTDATA:

Blues Singer

WEST COUNTRY:

No Drama This End

LAMBOURN:

Fresh Perspective

Telegraph:

Windbeneathmywings

Daily Mirror:

Windbeneathmywings

RP RATINGS:

Step Ahead

The Sun:

Step Ahead

Daily Mail:

Moneygarrow

Daily Record:

Moneygarrow

D Express:

Doctor Blue

The Star:

Blues Singer