1st-Jan-2019

Aso is towards the top of the market here, but he should be clear favourite in my book, and it is worth backing him at 9/2.

Venetia Williams’ horse put up a really nice performance on his debut this season in winning a good handicap chase at Newbury.  He made all that day, he jumped well, he travelled well into the home straight in front, and he kicked on again at the second last.  He came clear of the useful Touch Kick on the run-in, and he clocked a decent time.

The handicapper raised him by 8lb for that win, but a hike of that magnitude was merited.  He won with more than that in hand.  It takes him up to a mark of 158, which is just 2lb higher than his peak.  Also, he was weak in the market before that race, it is probable that he will come on for it.  

We know that he goes well at Cheltenham, he ran the race of his life to finish third in the Ryanair Chase over this course and distance at the 2017 Festival, and Venetia Williams’ horses are in top form.  Four of her last five runners have won.

Aso probably won’t get it all to himself up front today with Foxtail Hill in the line-up, but he doesn’t have to lead.  As long as Charlie Deutsch can get him into a nice racing rhythm just behind the leader, he could run a big race.

ASO WON (ADV 9/2, SP 3/1)