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Pace & Race Shape

Likely strong-to-even pace.

• Steel Ally: natural front-runner, almost certain to go forward.
• Push The Button: usually prominent, may track leader.
• No Questions Asked / Jax Junior: happy stalking in midfield.
• Personal Ambition: usually held up, needs rhythm and luck.

On soft ground at Ascot, pressing the pace without over-racing is often optimal. Front-runners can be vulnerable late if pressure applied.

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Contenders Breakdown

🟦 No Questions Asked – Proven / Progressive (p)

RPR 161 | TS 153 | OR 144 | Score: 9/10

• C&D winner on chase debut, then excellent 2nd in G2 at Newbury behind Wendigo.
• That Newbury run is the clear form anchor in this field.
• Has won on soft (bumper) → ground no issue.
• Strong finishing profile, no pace dependency.
• Trainer (Pauling) 31% last 14 days – clear positive.

Profile: Looks the most complete novice here. Sets the standard on figures and form.
Red Team – Primary Win Candidate

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🟦 Jax Junior – Promising (P)

RPR 152 | TS 146 | OR 139 | Score: 8.5/10

• Unexposed chaser (2 runs), emphatic Kempton win (12L).
• Previous hurdle form strong, including Ascot winner.
• Slight query: Kempton win came on good ground; now deeper test on soft.
• TS spike (146) suggests real engine.
• Yard quieter recently, but profile screams upside.

Profile: Likely better than current mark; main danger if handling conditions.
Red Team – Main Threat

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🟨 Steel Ally – Progressive (p)

RPR 151 | TS 124 | OR 144 | Score: 7.5/10

• Carlisle chase debut win was visually strong.
• Proven on soft, progressive over hurdles.
• 3lb penalty + likely pace pressure today.
• Front-running style could be softened up by rivals.

Profile: Talented, but race setup may not be ideal.
Blue Team – Can Win if Dictating

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🟧 Push The Button – Improving but Exposed

RPR 146 | TS 120 | OR 136 | Score: 6.5/10

• Solid novice chase form; honest and improving.
• Best hurdle form came at 3m, so trip may be on the sharp side.
• Needs career-best to trouble principals.

Profile: Place contender if others underperform.
Blue Team – Place/Pace Nuisance

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🟥 Personal Ambition – Talented but Regressive

RPR 150 | OR 136 | Score: 4/10

• Nearly won this race last year, but form since is patchy.
• Pulled up last time; quirky and unreliable.
• Ability there, confidence questionable.

Profile: Needs revival; market watch essential.
Blue Team – Needs Everything to Fall Right

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Runner Scores Summary

• No Questions Asked – 9/10
• Jax Junior – 8.5/10
• Steel Ally – 7.5/10
• Push The Button – 6.5/10
• Personal Ambition – 4/10

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Private Tissue (My Odds)

• No Questions Asked – 6/4
• Jax Junior – 7/4
• Steel Ally – 3/1
• Push The Button – 8/1
• Personal Ambition – 20/1

(Current market broadly fair, slight value edge still with the favourite if holding 13/8+)

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Summary – Race Reading

This looks a proper Grade 2 novice despite small field.
Steel Ally ensures pace, which should suit stalkers with stamina and class. On balance, the horse with the best recent Grade 2 form, proven track suitability, and strongest finishing profile is the one to side with.

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🧠 Smart Play (Chatgpt View)

Top Win Bet:
➡️ No Questions Asked – best form, best figures, ideal setup.

Saver / Alternative:
➡️ Jax Junior (win) if market drifts slightly – big upside, still learning.

No each-way angles with 5 runners.

Market Watch:

• Support for Personal Ambition would be notable but risky.
• Any drift on No Questions Asked would improve confidence further.