This was an intriguing and competitive Grade 2 hurdle race at Ascot, featuring some strong performances and a minor upset as Take No Chances (IRE) overcame the odds to defeat the heavily backed favourite, Kargese (FR).

Key Analysis:

1. Take No Chances (IRE)

Performance: Delivered a tenacious performance. After showing signs of being outpaced around the final bend, the mare rallied strongly from two out, displaying resilience and stamina. Her jumping was solid throughout, and she finished with a determined late surge to seal the victory.

Trainer/Jockey: Daniel Skelton’s charge was well-prepared, and jockey K K Woods timed the run to perfection.

Odds: Rewarded her backers at a generous 13/2, showing she was somewhat underestimated in the betting market.

Conclusion: This was a well-earned win, and she looks capable of stepping up to similar graded contests, particularly on good ground.



2. Kargese (FR)

Performance: The 2/5 favourite had every chance but was unable to fend off the late challenge of the winner. Travelling keenly in the early stages, she closed well into contention but lacked the finishing power to hold on.

Trainer/Jockey: Willie Mullins and Paul Townend brought the class, but the mare’s overexuberance early on may have cost her.

Odds: As the short-priced favourite, her defeat will disappoint punters, but it was still a creditable run.

Conclusion: She remains a high-class mare, and with slight adjustments to her racing style, she could bounce back at this level or higher.



3. Ooh Betty (IRE)

Performance: Ran a bold race, leading after the third-last hurdle but unable to sustain the effort when headed after the last. She lacked the finishing kick of the front two but stayed on for third.

Trainer/Jockey: Ben Clarke and Ben Jones extracted a game effort.

Odds: A fair performance at 17/2, with potential improvement if campaigned at a slightly lower grade.

Conclusion: Could benefit from more aggressive placement in Listed or Class 2 races.



4. Casa No Mento

Performance: Showed little early but stayed on for a distant fourth. Lacked pace and sharpness against better company.

Odds: At 16/1, expectations were not high, and she ran to her market position.

Conclusion: Likely better suited to less competitive handicaps.



5. Brendas Asking (IRE), All The Glory, and Pawapuri

These runners struggled to make any meaningful impact on the race. Brendas Asking faded after initially leading, while All The Glory and Pawapuri weakened before the closing stages. Their performances suggest they are outclassed at this level.




Final Thoughts:

This race highlighted the quality and determination of Take No Chances (IRE), who capitalised on the opportunity to beat a talented but slightly underwhelming favourite. Kargese (FR) is still a high-calibre mare, but her defeat suggests she may need to adjust her racing style to fully fulfil her potential. The result also underlines the strength in depth of mares’ hurdle contests, with promising performances from the likes of Ooh Betty (IRE).