Edwardstone sidesteps Ascot assignment

Arkle hero Edwardstone will not line up in this afternoon’s Jim Barry Wines Hurst Park Handicap Chase at Ascot. Alan King’s eight-year-old was due to shoulder top weight in the two-mile-one-furlong affair on what would have been his seasonal reappearance.

However, King has declared his charge a non runner due to the ground, which is currently described as good to soft, good in places after selected watering overnight.

Edwardstone also missed last week’s Shloer Chase at Cheltenham due to unsuitable ground.

His absence leaves a field of eight with the Paul Nicholls-trained Thyme White one of the leading hopes after impressing over the course and distance three weeks ago.

Harry Fry’s Boothill and the Emmet Mullins-trained So Scottish also feature in a competitive affair.

Nicholls is well represented across the card, kicking off with Ivaldi in the opening raceshare.com Racehorse Shares From £39 Novices’ Hurdle.

A winner in France, the four-year-old finished fourth behind subsequent Greatwood Hurdle runner-up Gin Coco on his British bow at Newton Abbot.

Nicholls told Betfair: “He needed his first run for us at Newton Abbot just over a month ago, where he was a a bit keen and green before tiring late on.

“He is a work in progress, will appreciate the easier conditions underfoot and will be suited by stepping up in trip.”

In the Ebony Horse Club Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, the Ditcheat handler is represented by just Milan Bridge, who makes his fencing debut after three wins over hurdle, after stablemate Quel Destin was taken out.

“I was very pleased with Milan Bridge’s run in second place behind Remastered over hurdles at Aintree a fortnight ago. That should have put him spot-on for his first start over fences,” said Nicholls.

“He was always going to make a chaser, has done plenty of schooling at home and has a nice racing weight. He looks to have sound claims.”