'Victory would put him right in the Ryanair mix' - Three races this weekend that could have an impact on Cheltenham We're absolutely spoilt for choice with regards to top racing action across Britain and Ireland this weekend. The Grade 1 Ascot Chase is the highlight of the day, but there's also Grade 2 action from Haydock, Gowran and Wincanton. It's going to be a very busy day, and hopefully, there will be some Cheltenham Festival form pointers on offer. Here we take a look at some of the key races taking place this weekend that could be significant with regard to next month's Festival. 13:50 Ascot - Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (Grade 2) This race has a surprisingly bad record of producing Brown Advisory Novices' Chase winners, despite being a Grade 2 three-mile race with an illustrious roll of honour. That being said, last year's winner won a Festival handicap and that could be the case once again. Kauto Star Novices' Chase runner-up Thomas Mor looks like the one to beat and he won a beginners' chase here over a shorter trip on his first start over fences. Connections then threw him into Grade 1 company and he acquitted himself well, keeping on for second. Winning this probably wouldn't make him a Brown Advisory candidate, but provided his mark doesn't go through the roof, something like the Ultima would be an excellent alternative. The same can be said for Pauling's The Jukebox Kid, win or lose. 14:05 Haydock - Rendlesham Hurdle (Grade 2) The initial plan for Kabral Du Mathan was to wait for the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell later this month, before heading to Aintree for the Aintree Hurdle. It looks like there's been a change of plan, however, and the six-year-old is going up to three miles for the first time. He seems to be a much more mature horse this year and getting him to settle was an issue in previous seasons. Bolting up in a handicap here over shorter on stable debut, it's no surprise that he went up in grade for the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham after that. Dan Skelton's gelding travelled powerfully throughout and left a very good impression that day. If he stays the trip and wins impressively here, there's no reason not to head to Cheltenham for the Stayers' Hurdle next month. French Ship and Henri The Second are smart handicappers, but they are probably not Stayers' Hurdle candidates and the handicapper has them in their grasp. 15:35 Ascot - Ascot Chase (Grade 1) A field of six has been declared for this Grade 1 event and Nicky Henderson's Jonbon heads the field. The trainer has been reluctant to run him over this sort of trip other than in the Melling Chase at Aintree, despite the fact that he's been crying out for it. He has finished first or second in all 26 starts under rules and that level of consistency is thoroughly admirable. The 10-year-old doesn't quite have the pace to challenge the top two-milers, so the 2m5f trip here should suit. An impressive victory here would put him right in the mix for next month's Ryanair Chase and he's very much the one to beat. Ascot specialist Pic D'orhy is the biggest danger, but he was well below his best last time and is more likely to go to Aintree than Cheltenham.
