Lostintranslation
20th November 2021 – Ascot – It would be easy to conclude that he is back to his best after this four-length success. It was certainly a very positive step in the right direction. He was competing for the first time after wind surgery which may be an important variable. That said, the fact that he has now had at least three operations on his wind has to be of some concern. The runner up is not known for his battling qualities and stopped quickly from two out to the line, thus offering a relatively easy target horse to aim at. He will face much stiffer tasks in the future; particularly if he steps up to compete in the King George next time out. He has been pulled up in each of the last two renewals of the Boxing Day race and will need good ground to show him in his best light. Given his recent record, it was good to see him take this prize; at the same time, I would not be in a hurry to have him on side based on this one performance. If he does something similar next time it may be time to take another look.
Master Tommytucker
20th November 2021 – Ascot – The time comparisons with the two-mile chase won by Before Midnight strongly suggest he went a strong pace before tiring quickly from the second last fence to the winning line. He brushed through the top of many of these big fences which did not help his cause. His form on this faster ground looks a reliable marker based on his previous form with the mud-lover Dashel Drasher.
Dashel Drasher
20th November 2021 – Ascot – This was a strong performance on ground that would have been much quicker than ideal. He will need to be on the short list for the Betfair Ascot Chase in February once again.
Defi Du Seuil
20th November 2021 – Ascot – Along with the third horse to finish, he will need softer ground to show his best form. Unlike the horse that finished in front of him, however, Defi Du Seuil has plenty to prove after four disappointing performances in a row. This was his first run since wind surgery so one can only hope he will improve when he races on his favoured surface. After so many disappointments, I would rather see him improve first before betting money on this possible scenario.
Bennys King
20th November 2021 – Ascot – This was not his ground and, consequently, he was being nudged along from the very early stages. My best guess is that this is one race along the path leading back here early next year when hopefully he will get the testing ground he needs. I would think the idea was to complete the course here and benefit from a drop in the ratings as a result. Presumably his connections will have one or two more tries to get him down close to 150. The new guidelines suggest this ten-year-old might be dropped a little quicker than most.
Pistol Whipped
20th November 2021 – Ascot – He went well for half the race before dropping away quickly. He was found to have bled from the nose when checked post-race.
