Harry Cobden’s Planet Sport Bet blog: Pic D'Orhy should be in the mix at Ascot

Pic D’Orhy ridden by jockey Harry Cobden

Planet Sport ambassador Harry Cobden is off to Ascot on Saturday, February 17 and here he runs the rule over his seven rides.

13:15pm (Ascot) Inthewaterside

I was very impressed with Inthewaterside at Lingfield and so was the handicapper because he put him up eight pounds for the win.

Paul [Nicholls] is happy with him and he schooled well in the week, so I’m looking forward to him. He seems to be improving with every run and goes there with a good chance.

13:50 (Ascot) Brave Kingdom

Brave Kingdom is certainly going the right way and he was really tough at Newbury last time.

He needs to step up again to beat the Scottish raider, but he’s a nice horse with plenty of ability. I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t placed.

14:25 (Ascot) Rare Edition

I’m looking forward to riding Rare Edition with the step up in trip looking a wise move.

He was probably flat out at Kempton last time and, while he won nicely enough, I think he’s better than he showed.

He could do with sharpening up his jumping, but the extra distance here should help that. He’s got to have a big chance if he can improve again.

15:00 (Ascot) Threeunderthrufive

Threeunderthrufive is a fantastic horse and he’s just one of those that doesn’t get any help from the handicapper because he’s so consistent.

He’s in very good form at home and it will be a big ask off top-weight, but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he won as he’s a proper horse on his day.

15:36 (Ascot) Pic D’Orhy

The Ascot Chase is a great race and I’m on Pic D’Orhy. He ran a blinder at Kempton last time and has been in great form since.

He goes well at Ascot, which is always a bonus, and he should be in the mix.

It will be interesting to see how our rivals go tactics-wise, but hopefully we can take a lead off Ahoy Senor and L’Homme Presse and pick them off when we need to.

He’s an older horse now and is much easier to ride than he used to be. He’s very relaxed and we can do what we want with him.

16:10 (Ascot) Havaila

I then ride Havaila, who I’m quite hopeful will run well. He won a nice race at Sandown last time, showing he handles soft ground well.

I’d like to think he still has a few pounds up his sleeve and so am expecting a good run in what looks a competitive race.

16:45 (Ascot) Nala The Lioness

I finish my rides with Nala The Lioness for Karl Burke.

I’ve never ridden for Karl before, but the fact he’s bringing her down is probably a tip in itself and she gets all the allowances from the others.

I don’t know much about her, but hopefully she goes there with a nice chance.