Even ignoring the hyperbole, Ascot has a far far better meeting than one would expect on the Saturday before Christmas, when all eyes are usually on Boxing Day and the King George. It has been enriched by the transfer of races from Cheltenham's abandoned meeting last weekend.
The puzzle race is the International. With the exception of Celestial Halo, any of the field of five seem to me to have a very good chance. In the end I have plumped for Chomba Womba.
Ascot 105: Trabolgan
Ascot 140: Chomba Womba
Ascot 210: Punchestowns
Ascot 245: Ashkazar