Welsh trainer Sam Thomas is eyeing a memorable festive period after his charge, Steel Ally, delivered a commanding performance to land the Grade Two Noel Novice Chase at Ascot on Friday. The victory marked Thomas's fourth winner from just seven runners this month, signalling his string is in peak form ahead of the busy Christmas programme.
Ascot Romp Sets Festival Targets
Ridden by Dylan Johnston, Steel Ally was sent off as the 11-4 third-favourite in a select field of five. The gelding travelled and jumped with aplomb throughout the two-mile, three-furlong contest. The 7-5 favourite, No Questions Asked, attempted to close at the third-last fence, but Steel Ally quickly reasserted dominance, powering clear from the second-last to score by an impressive nine lengths from Push The Button.
The win has seen bookmakers install Steel Ally as a 33-1 shot for the Arkle Trophy Novice Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next March. However, Thomas's immediate focus is firmly on a prize much closer to home.
Proud Welshman Targets Chepstow Marathon
The Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on 27 December is the next major objective for the stable, with Thomas set to saddle two fancied runners. He will aim to replicate his 2021 success with Iwilldoit by unleashing Jubilee Express and Shomen Uchi in the marathon event.
"We're very proud Welshmen, being on the doorstep and it feels that bit more special," Thomas said after Steel Ally's Ascot triumph. He provided insights into his two contenders, highlighting their contrasting profiles.
"[Jubilee Express] is one of those big, burly horses and takes so much work. There's definitely more to come... He knows what to expect and I think that goes a long way," Thomas explained. Of Shomen Uchi, he noted: "He's a very different horse, a little bit classier... If he can align all the stars on the day, he could be a league above."
Saturday Spotlight: Honesty Policy Aims for Long Walk History
The feature race at Ascot on Saturday is the Long Walk Hurdle, a race that holds a unique distinction. Despite Irish dominance in National Hunt racing, it remains the only non-novice Grade One in British jumping never won by an Irish-trained horse. That record is under serious threat this year from Gordon Elliott's Honesty Policy (2.25).
The five-year-old brings top-level form to the table, having won the Grade One Mersey Novice Hurdle at Aintree in April and finishing a close second over three miles at the Punchestown Festival. He is a solid bet at around 5-2 to break the Irish duck in the race. The main danger from the home team appears to be Nicky Henderson's Impose Toi, who runs for owner JP McManus.
Weekend Racing Tips
Ascot 1.50: Issam has taken well to chasing and his tendency to win narrowly may keep him favourably treated by the handicapper.
Haydock 2.05: Jacks Parrot, last year's runner-up, races off the same mark and should be sharper for a recent pipe-opener over hurdles.
Ascot 3.00: Course specialist Victtorino, trained by Venetia Williams, won this race last year and seeks a fourth Ascot win from five starts.
Ascot 3.35: Dan Skelton's lightly-raced Live Conti, a former Grade One second, is intriguing off an opening handicap mark of 143.
