Welsh pride is in the air as Sam Thomas aims for glory! After Steel Ally's impressive victory at Ascot, the anticipation is building for a thrilling Christmas racing season. Sam Thomas, a proud Welshman, is riding high, having already secured his fourth win from just seven runners in December. This success, marked by Steel Ally's stunning performance in the Grade Two Noel Novice Chase at Ascot on Friday, has everyone talking.
Steel Ally, despite being the third-favorite at 11-4 in a field of five, showcased exceptional form. Jockey Dylan Johnston guided the horse to a flawless performance, jumping with precision and maintaining a strong lead. The favorite, No Questions Asked (7-5), attempted a challenge, but Steel Ally was already pulling away, eventually finishing a remarkable nine lengths ahead of Push The Button (12-1).
The Noel Novice Chase, spanning over two miles and nearly three furlongs, has set the stage for Steel Ally's next challenge. The horse is currently priced around 33-1 for the Arkle Trophy Novice Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next year.
But here's where it gets exciting: The Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on December 27th is a major target. Thomas is set to saddle two promising runners, Jubilee Express and Shomen Uchi, hoping to repeat his 2021 victory with Iwilldoit.
"We're very proud Welshmen, being on the doorstep [at Thomas’s stable near Cardiff] and it feels that bit more special,” Thomas shared, highlighting the emotional significance of racing in his homeland.
He described Jubilee Express as a 'big, burly horse' with untapped potential, especially now that he's 'battle-hardened' from competing in bigger races. Shomen Uchi, on the other hand, is a 'classier' horse but has faced setbacks due to fragility. Thomas acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Shomen Uchi's performance due to limited racing experience, but acknowledges that if all goes well, he could be a top contender.
Honesty best policy for Long Walk
Even in an era of unprecedented Irish dominance in National Hunt racing, the Long Walk Hurdle has maintained its status as the only non-novice Grade One in British jumping that has never been won by a horse trained in Ireland. It is a record that may not survive the 2025 renewal on Saturday, however, as Gordon Elliott’s Honesty Policy (2.25) will arrive at Ascot with convincing credentials.
Honesty Policy is poised to make a significant impact at Ascot. The horse's impressive track record includes a win in the Grade One Mersey Novice Hurdle at Aintree in April. He also secured a second-place finish in a Grade One at the Punchestown Festival, narrowly losing to Jasmin De Vaux.
Nicky Henderson’s Impose Toi, representing JP McManus, could be a strong contender, but Honesty Policy's experience and form give him an edge. At around 5-2, Honesty Policy is a solid bet to dominate the season's staying hurdle division.
Quick Guide
- Ascot 1.50: Issam has shown great potential in his chasing career.
- Haydock 2.05: Jacks Parrot, last year’s runner-up, is expected to improve.
- Haydock 2.40: Walks The Talk is a promising contender.
Greg Wood's Saturday tips
- Haydock: 11.45 Le Yacht, 12.20 Ayiko, 12.55 Saligo Bay, 1.30 Escapeandevade, 2.05 Jacks Parrot, 2.40 Walks The Talk, 3.15 Gwennie May Star
- Hereford: 11.58 Buckna, 12.28 King Of Records, 1.03 Glengolly, 1.38 Bluenose Bella, 2.13 Theonewedreamof, 2.48 Marsiac, 3.23 Scott’s Legacy
- Ascot: 12.40 Firefox, 1.15 Dixie Mafia, 1.50 Issam, 2.25 Honesty Policy, 3.00 Victtorino (nb), 3.35 Live Conti (nap)
- Newcastle: 3.10 Dingwall, 3.47 Sands Of Josepi, 4.20 Lope Harswell, 4.55 Arc La Shari, 5.30 Lessay, 6.00 Aisling Oscar, 6.30 Bajan Bandit, 7.00 Yorkshire Glory
- Wolverhampton: 4.05 Addarella, 4.40 Carnival Queen, 5.15 Reason’s Power, 5.45 Alligator Alley, 6.15 Upepo, 6.45 Westcombe, 7.15 He’s a Gentleman, 7.45 Bomb Squad, 8.15 Water Tiger
Ascot 3.00: Victtorino, a course specialist, has a strong chance.
Ascot 3.35: Live Conti, with an opening mark of 143, is one to watch.
What do you think? Will Sam Thomas continue his winning streak? Do you agree with the tips? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
