Lil Rockerfeller to take the Long Walk to glory at Ascot

Elgin to upset the apple cart

There’s a big field for the Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle at Ascot. And that means there’s a decent opportunity for a nicely-priced winner.

Despite being given top weight, Elgin looks like he’ll take all the beating in this renewal. And he’s not even the current favourite.

He’ll have to overcome the handicap but Alan King’s progressive five-year-old has a tremendous season to date.

Elgin has already won The Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham and notched a win over this course and distance in the race before that back in early November.

Nicky Henderson – a winner of this one four times previously – will have a say with Charlie Parcs and Verdana Blue. But Elgin looks a value pick amongst a big field.

Ptit Zig to regain a bit of form

It’s been a slightly rough start to the season for Paul Nicholls’ French raider Ptit Zig.

But the Silver Cup Handicap Chase might be the perfect opportunity to lay down a marker for the rest of the campaign.

After races at Grade 2 level in his previous two, a Listed Race in better company will suit the eight-year-old.

He was third to Top Notch at Taunton last time out and looked decent in that one. His main rival here will be Jonjo O’Neill’s More Of That.

But he’s not been in great form, either. So this renewal really is set up for a Ptit Zig win.

ITV Racing Tips:

1:50 Ascot – Ballotin

2:10 Haydock – One For Harry

2:25 Ascot – Lil Rockerfeller

2:45 Haydock – Vic De Touzaine

3:00 Ascot – Ptit Zig

3:35 Ascot – Elgin