Dynaste is ace in the pack in Ascot Chase, Vieux Lion Rouge cause for a Celebration
Published:
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
Pipe looks to hold major claims of landing a big race double on this Ascot card, courtesy of Vieux Lion Rouge in the Listed 3m Celebration Chase (14.25).
This gelding was a useful hurdler who showed progressive form in winning bis first three start over fences this season.
After landing two novice contests, the seven-year-old took the step up into class 2 handicap company is his stride when beating Sun Cloud by four lengths at Haydock off a mark of 139.
Although now 7lb higher in the weights, Vieux Lion Rouge idled in front and was value for more than the winning margin and looks the type who may have even more to offer.
Indeed, Vieux Lion Rouge was still in contention in third place when coming to grief three from home last time out in a competitive contest at Cheltenham and it was an effort which suggested his current mark of 146 should not be beyond him.
Selections
13.15: Yala Enki
13.50: Vyta Du Roc
14.25: Vieux Lion Rouge (NB)
15.00: Montdragon
15.35: Dynaste (NAP)
16.10: What A Moment
16.45: Theatre Territory
Related
Coral’s top tips: Dynaste can dazzle in the Ascot Chase, while Vieux Lion Rouge is ready to claim the Celebration Chase.
