Unowhatimeanharry is still the one to beat

Things worked out well enough last week with Aso showing a small profit for his each-way second, though I think it would have been very close with better jumps at two of the last three. He is capable of winning one of these valuable chases but the handicapper will not be dropping him for a while yet.

Venetia Williams ran him instead of Tenor Nivernais, the rain having failed to arrive in time for the latter. Of course, he has to start the new campaign somewhere and the trainer has left him in the three-mile handicap chase at Ascot tomorrow. I think he will always be better at 2m 4f to 2m 5f and he certainly needs it more resting than good to soft but, on the other hand, he has been ready for a while now and the each-way value will be there. A very small bet is advised.

A stronger fancy is UNOWHATIMEANHARRY in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle. He was most impressive last time and, although this will be harder with Ptit Zig and French challenger Alex De Larreyda in the field, he is still improving and looks the one to beat. Incidentally, at the weights Ptit Zig may still have the edge on Alex De Larreyda, having reeled him in in the Grande Course at Auteuil back in midsummer.

It looks a hard day otherwise, though the Godolphin filly DUBAI FASHION claims all the allowances in the classy conditions event at Lingfield and looks value at around 4/1 to deny warm favourite Grendisar.