Fry up for Ascot challenge with Gidleigh Park

Harry Fry is leaning towards running his stable star Gidleigh Park in the Ladbrokes 1965 Chase at Ascot on Saturday.

Although the seven-year-old has endured more than his fair share of issues over the past couple of seasons, including a well-documented heart problem, it is testament to his considerable talent that he has managed to win five of his eight competitive starts, including Grade Two victories over hurdles and fences.

Gidleigh Park also holds entries in the Castello Banfi Hurst Park Handicap Chase in Berkshire and in a graduation chase at Haydock, but Fry is ready to let him take on the likes of Il Est Francais and Pic D’orhy at Grade Two level.

“As things stand we’re set to run in the 1965, with the option of the Hurst Park on the same card. With good to soft ground, similarly to what we did at Aintree in the spring, I think we’re going to run over the intermediate trip,” said the trainer.

“Whichever race he runs in he’s going to come up against good horses, but I’m really looking forward to getting his second season over fences under way.

“He schooled great yesterday (Tuesday), I’m very happy with him and excited to see him back in action.”

It could be a super Saturday at Ascot for the Higher Crockermoor handler, with dual course winner Altobelli set to reappear in the Ladbrokes Ascot Hurdle and the high-class Boothill – winner on three of his five previous visits to the track – poised to contest the aforementioned Hurst Park Handicap Chase.

“He’s obviously got top-weight, but he’s in great form with himself and I think he can run a very big race,” Fry said of Boothill.

“We could have run him in the Shloer Chase the other day but we waited on account of the weather forecast. The ground turned quite quickly at Cheltenham so we waited for the better ground at Ascot where he’s got such a good record.”