Ascot tips for Saturday: God’s Own to be toast of punters in Stella Artois Chase

Vanituex odds say he should strike in Shawbrook

Vaniteux can take advantage of what looks a handy mark to land the 2m Shawbrook Handicap Chase (15:15).

The Nicky Henderson trained gelding has always been held in high regard and developed into a top class novice chaser last season.

After scoring in terrific style on his chasing debut at Kempton, Vantieux lost little in defeat at the same venue when beaten just a neck by Ar Mad after bad blunder at the first.

The seven -year-old did well to get so close after that error seemed to unsettle him, and quickly got back to winnings ways when the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase at Doncaster.

Vaniteux looked set to win by a convincing margin when taking the third last but had to be driven right out to beat Arzal by 3 3/4 lengths in blustery conditions after idling on the run-in.

Lightning form worked out well

However, in hindsight it was a much better performance than it seemed as the runner-up went on to bolt-up in a Grade 1 at Aintree and the third home Fox Norton – who was beaten a further 10 lengths – has developed into a top class 2m chaser this season and is currently second favourite for the 2017 Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The selection then ran in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival and was still bang in contention and only 1 1/2 lengths behind eventually winner Douvan when blundering and unseating his rider two from home.

Whether he would have won is highly debatable but he would have given Douvan something to think about and Vaniteux looks potentially very well-treated now pitched into handicap company off a mark of 154.

Ascot tips for Saturday, November 19

12:25 Coastal Tiep

12:55 Potters Corner

13:30 Midnight Sapphire

14:05 God’s Own (NAP)

14:40 Yanworth

15:15 Vaniteux (NB)

15:50 Global Stage

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