Racing: Ask Tom short on Spirit at Newbury

ANTE-POST UPDATE

ASK TOM, the Champion Chase hope, finished a poor fourth to Celibate in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

Decoupage shortened up for the Champion Hurdle after winning the Tote Gold Trophy but, racing off a handicap mark of just 125, needs to improve to hold even each-way claims.

Kadou Nonontais is on course for the Royal and SunAlliance Novices' Chase after a bloodless 20-length win on the same card, while The Fly could be a Supreme Novices' Hurdle candidate after winning on his jumping debut.

At Punchestown on Sunday Cockney Lad tabled his Arkle claims with a five- length win in the Tied Cottage Novice Chase.

WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE (2m 4f, Ascot Saturday) William Hill: 4- 1 Sadler's Realm, 9-2 Moondigua, 11-2 Castle Owen, 13-2 Darbella, 9-1 Ismeno, 10-1 Effectual, Globe Runner, 12-1 Bluedonix, 14-1 Polar Prospect, Sesame Seed, 16-1 Supreme Genotin, 20-1 Outset, 22-1 Bless Me Sister, 25-1 El Freddie, Mister RM.