Saturday ante-post tips: big-race double for Pauling?

Is Alexei a Unibet Champion Hurdle contender? Joe Tizzard’s improving hurdler is a best-priced 25-1 for the two-mile showpiece following his impressive win in the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle in November, which he has been raised 13lb for, and it’s interesting connections have decided to target Saturday’s Ascot Rotary Club Festive Handicap Hurdle where he will have a lofty weight to carry. 

This will no doubt answer that question, and victory here will surely tempt the Tizzard team to aim high. He could potentially outclass his rivals on Saturday, and is a general 4-1 chance to do so. 

He will need to take another step forward, though, and is set to face some smart handicap hurdlers, including FIERCELY PROUD who has attracted support in the ante-post market. 

Ben Pauling’s charge was a narrow winner of this contest 12 months ago (off a 7lb lower mark) when pulling 17 lengths clear of the third, Be Aware, and the runner-up, Kabral Du Mathan, boosted that form when finishing second in valuable handicaps on his next two outings off an 8lb higher mark. That rival also bolted up on his seasonal return in November, so last year’s race looks a strong piece of form. 

Fiercely Proud failed to sparkle on his next two outings, although did have excuses on both occasions, and was probably feeling the effects of his exertions in this contest. 

The six-year-old returned this season with a promising effort in the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle, the same race he contested en route to victory in this race last year, and was beaten a similar distance again in November. 

That outing should have him primed for a repeat bid on Saturday, and Pauling confirmed to racingtv.com on Tuesday morning that his six-year-old will be running in this race (he does hold an entry over fences at Ascot on Friday). 

A chasing campaign was mentioned in various stable tours at the start of the season, but I expect connections believe they have a strong chance of landing another valuable prize over hurdles, with a rating of 135 potentially underestimating Fiercely Proud based on the strength of his form, and the fact he should have more to offer this season. 

The selection handles give underfoot, so any further rain ahead of Saturday should not hinder him, and Pauling has hit top form in recent weeks having operated at a 25 per cent strike-rate in the past fortnight. 

The general 10-1 on offer appeals, and any more support this week will boost confidence further. 

It could be a Saturday to remember for the Pauling team as PIC ROC also looks to hold strong claims in the Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot. 

Despite being held in high regard, it is fair to say this seven-year-old hasn’t quite lived up to expectations yet, and he failed to record a victory during his first season over fences last term. For what it’s worth, Pauling also nominated Pic Roc as one of his best chances at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, which showcases the belief he has in his charge.

As a result, there’s a chance he remains nicely treated over fences, and he finally got off the mark when storming to victory in a small-field contest at Huntingdon in November. He probably didn’t need to improve to win there, but travelled with zest, and scored with ease. 

He was sent off a well-backed 6-1 chance for the Coral Gold Cup following that effort, but lost all chance due to a standing start, and was on the backfoot throughout. It was to his credit he was only beaten 12 lengths, and hinted he can land a nice prize off a rating of 135. 

Pic Roc won his sole start at Ascot when landing a novices' hurdle in 2024, and this course and distance should prove ideal. This is his only entry, and he's produced some useful form on soft, so is another that won't be hindered by any further ease in the going.

3.00 Ascot - Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase: PIC ROC at 6-1 with William Hill and 888sport.

3.35 Ascot - Ascot Rotary Club Festive Handicap Hurdle: FIERCELY PROUD at a general 10-1.