Indian Chasing Ascot Scalps

Indian Pace, a leading player in the betting for the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday week, is on course for the race ? although he may need some luck on his side.

Since moving to trainer John Kiely a few months ago, the six-year-old has been remarkably progressive, winning his first two starts on the Flat for his new yard.

He then landed his first outing over hurdles for Kiely, bolting up at Punchestown in mid-November and prompting Ladbrokes to make him 9-1 co-second favourite for their race on December 22.

However, Indian Pace's latest victory came off an Irish handicap mark of 100 and there are plenty of high-rated horses entered in the Ladbroke.

'That is the plan,' said Waterford-based Kiely.

'He has done well for us so far, but whether he runs depends on the weights.'

Just behind Indian Pace in the market is 10-1 chance Ring The Boss, who could instead go novice chasing, according to trainer Philip Hobbs.

The six-year-old has won at Newbury and Sandown already this season, turning a valuable race at the Esher track over the weekend into a procession.

But as he is now due to be hiked up the handicap dramatically, Hobbs is considering sending him over the larger obstacles.

'We could possibly run him in a handicap at Cheltenham on Friday under a 7lb penalty, but whether we would do that I don't know,' said Hobbs.

'We could wait for The Ladbroke or we could forget both and go chasing with him.

'He's six already, so it could be a case of getting him going over fences as soon as possible.

'He'll certainly stay further than two miles, but whether he wants three I'm not sure.

'We haven't schooled him yet and whether Alan Swinbank (former trainer) did, I don't know.

'He also won all his three runs for Alan Swinbank, so whether we have improved him or not I don't know.

'He's obviously on the upgrade anyway,' he told At The Races.

(C) PA Sport