Dynaste is ace in the pack in Ascot Chase, Vieux Lion Rouge cause for a Celebration

David Metcalf | February 19, 2016

Dynaste can get career back on track

David Pipe’s Dynaste has had a breathing operation following a disappointing run last time out and can show the benefit by bouncing back to land the Grade 1 Ascot Chase (15.35).

The gelding is a really classy sort, but has not scored since landing the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival back in 2014.

However, the 10-year-old has run well to make the frame on numerous occasions at Grade 1 level and shaped as if retaining plenty of ability when a fine 3 3/4 length runner-up to Cue Card in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on his second start of the campaign.

Dynaste was then not at his best when third to the same rival in a Grade 1 contest at Haydock, and ran a shocker when beaten 105 lengths and finishing last of eight to Thistlecrack in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot when last seen in action.

That run was simply too bad to be true, and Dynaste has since undergone a breathing operation. and this could well be the key to getting the grey back on track.

Often travelling strongly, only to not find as much as expected at the business end of races, connections are also fitting Dynaste with blinkers for the first time.

The drop back to 2m 5f is ideal as it is the distance over which he enjoyed his finest hour when winning the Ryanair.

Vieux Lion Rouge the Celebration Chase choice