Saturday 23rd January 2020

Very much looking forward to watching the Clarence House Grade 1 Chase at Ascot.

The winner will likely come from one of the top three in the betting with Politologue the obvious horse to beat. Harry Cobden will bid to make all, Brian Hughes on Waiting Patiently, will be hoping to take aim close to home and deliver him in the last 100 yards.

A return to form from Defi Du Seuil would make this a cracking contest.

Haydock somehow goes ahead, conditions will be a proper slog there.

Over at Taunton, the 3:25 isn’t a great race and looks wide open. I’ve had a small bet EW on Menapian at 7-1. It’s speculative as nothing can be backed with confidence in such a race.

Menapian has course form and has been running ok, he didn’t look to get home last time out so the drop back in trip will suit. If running to his level and that's an if, that should see him competitive. Menapian could run alright at nice odds.