Thistle Ask looks to sting rivals in Ascot’s all-star Clarence House Chase

TThe most highly rated two-mile fighter in training takes on the division’s most improved performer in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot today and Thistle Question (3.30) feels around 7-1 too expensive to comfortably take the step to a Grade One company.

Thistle Ask has made remarkable progress since joining Dan Skelton in May for just £11,000. He won his first start for his new stable with a score of 115 and completed a four-timer at 146 in the Desert Orchid Handicap Chase at the Kempton Christmas Meeting.

The opposition there was well behind the three top-flight rivals he faces on Saturday, but the visual impression of Thistle Ask’s class-leading, 10-length success was backed up by a strong time figure and the form pushed his Timeform rating to 162, within 6lb of last year’s winner Jonbon.

Harry Cobden, who was this week announced as JP McManus’ new No. 1 rider in Britain and Ireland from the start of next season, will ride Jonbon for the first time on Saturday, but while the 10-year-old remains wonderfully consistent, recent runs have suggested he may be just a little past his best.

Il Etait Temps, the heavy favourite, is clearly at the top of the ratings and is unbeaten since his new season, but Thistle Ask is improving rapidly and in all likelihood he is simply too big to continue his improvement and upset the favourite.

Hay dock 1.25 Nicky Hendersons Old Parkster has been clear in two starts over hurdles this season and should strengthen his position towards the top of the betting for the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Ascot 1.40 He conquers her remains unbeaten after two starts over obstacles without being extended in any way and seems more than ready for this step up in the class.

Hay dock 2:00 am There is a front run duel on the horizon between Myretown and Konfusion and that could play into the hands of the strong traveling Johnnywiewho stayed a few furlongs shy of third place last time at Ascot.

Ascot 2.20 by Joe Tizzard Scarface recovered from a below-par run at Newbury in November to finish a close second behind rivals Etalon at this track last month. On 4lb better terms and, perhaps more importantly, over a few extra furlongs, he is fair price at around 6-1 to reverse form and achieve a second course success.

Hay dock 2.35 The potential improver is Dan Skelton’s Dalston boywho was off target on the third attempt over hurdles at Sedgefield last time and will certainly appreciate this step up to three miles.

Ascot 2.53 The move to this trip resulted in a significant improvement Came out of nowhere at Hereford in December and a £7 rise may not be enough to prevent a sequel.