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A RESILIENT Leader embodies tenacity and bravery, tackling obstacles while keeping a clear strategic vision in focus.
Let’s stay hopeful that Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader understands this, as he embarks on a challenge he has yet to master in today’s Grade 1 Howden Long Walk Hurdle.
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The main race at Ascot – traditionally won by remarkable contenders like Paisley Park, Big Buck’s, and Baracouda – features a competitive lineup, undoubtedly strengthened by the absence of a dominant staying hurdler in the UK at the moment.
Strong Leader is indeed among the elite, but can he handle running right-handed? The seven-year-old has only performed that way once in thirteen outings, which occurred at this course where he lost over a shorter distance in the Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle.
His heritage isn’t that reassuring either. Strong Leader is descended from Passing Glance, who finished a disappointing 24th in the 2002 Britannia Handicap during his only run at Ascot.
The sire of his dam, Westerner, also made just one appearance at the Berkshire track where he struggled, finishing behind Papineau in the 2004 Ascot Gold Cup.
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Murphy is cautiously hopeful that direction won’t pose an issue. The up-and-coming trainer mentioned, “He used to go left-handed, hence we trained him that way. However, on the only occasion we raced him right-handed, I believe the distance was too short, and leading the race played a significant role in his loss rather than the direction itself.”
“Fingers crossed we won’t have to use that as a reason.”
That said, it’s a handy excuse to keep in mind! Strong Leader returned this season with a gritty triumph in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, where his jumping was satisfactory but not remarkable. This will be a challenging race.
Several familiar contenders line up against him, including last year’s winner Crambo, whose form dipped at the tail end of the previous season but may hold promising each-way prospects based on his performance at this time last year.
Blueking d’Oroux may not be the preferred pick among bettors, but he’s the horse that bested Strong Leader back in 2023. He has stamina to demonstrate.
Then there’s The Wallpark, striving for a five-timer with Gordon Elliott. He has climbed from a rating of 129 to 152 through those victories, and the big question is whether he can find even more improvement. His recent win at Cheltenham off a mark of 145 suggests that it’s a distinct possibility.
This race is tough to call. Yet, I’m putting my faith in Crambo for at least a place finish.
On the rest of the Ascot card, featuring four live races on ITV Racing, all eyes will be on Victtorino in the Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase.
Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing tips
ASCOT
1.50 Jungle Boogie
2.25 Crambo (each-way)
3.00 Victtorino
3.35 Go Dante (each-way)
HAYDOCK
2.05 Famous Bridge
2.40 Lune De La Mer
If victorious, he will contribute to Venetia Williams’ tally of notable Saturday TV winners, following names like Gemirande, Djelo, and Royale Pagaille, not to mention Frero Banbou, who cruised to a win in the Rehearsal Chase.
Ridden by Charlie Deutsch, Victtorino was notably impressive at Newbury on his return in the race formerly known as the Hennessy, having jumped poorly yet still managed to finish strong when the race was nearly determined.
There are signs he may perform better running right-handed, and he’s currently only 1lb higher in the handicap than his previous winning effort in this contest last year.
I’m willing to wager that Murphy will achieve a solid outcome at Ascot, even if it’s not with Strong Leader.
For many, the pivotal betting race of the day will be the concluding Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle, featuring Greatwood runner-up and third Be Aware and Dysart Enos.
Both are steadily on the rise and could undoubtedly meet the challenge. The latter is expected to be more composed compared to his effort at Cheltenham, where he was overly eager.
Murphy also trains Imperial Cup winner Go Dante, who performed poorly for me in ninth during the Greatwood. However, there are reasons to believe he can do better here, almost the opposite scenario from Strong Leader.
Go Dante seems to be better suited for right-handed tracks, as evidenced by his victory at Sandown, and he has dropped 2lb since Cheltenham. I’m optimistic for better results here as an each-way bet at just 3lb higher than his winning performance at the Esher venue.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Saturday and a Merry Christmas. The good news is that Boxing Day is just around the corner, and we’ll be excited for the King George in this paper, not least because we have formidable leaders!
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