TimeformBlog

[b]Timeform look back at the weekend's racing at Ascot, Haydock, Wincanton and Gowran Park.[/b] The Betfair Ascot Chase hasn't always proved the best contested of Grade 1 events, though this year's renewal was well up to standard, and in beating Gauvain by 10 lengths Riverside Theatre produced a performance surpassed in the recent history of the race only by 2008 winner Kauto Star. Riverside Theatre stands among the leading form contenders for the Ryanair at the Festival, and is now the second favourite at 7.2, though unlike the favourite Poquelin (5.2) Riverside Theatre needs to prove his effectiveness on the track having jumped less than fluently in last season's Arkle. Gauvain beat the rest convincingly and will presumably also have the Ryanair on his agenda. He will be no forlorn...