I fancy Fergal O’Brien’s 10-1 shot to make it a very Merry Christmas at Ascot
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A STRONG Leader will have focus and be fearless, be able to overcome adversity and have a clear strategic direction. Let’s just hope Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader realises that, as he has to do something he has never done before to land today’s Grade 1 Howden Long Walk Hurdle.
![[Our man Chappers looks ahead to the action at Ascot]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NINTCHDBPICT000612912254.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Ascot feature – won by some absolute belters in the past in the shape of Paisley Park, Big Buck’s and Baracouda - is competitive with a decent sized field, no doubt bolstered by the fact that there is no standout staying hurdler in the UK right now.
Strong Leader is certainly one of the best, but can he cope going right-handed? The seven-year-old has only gone that way in one of his thirteen outings, and that was at this track when beaten over shorter in the Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle. His pedigree doesn’t inspire confidence either.Strong Leader is a son of Passing Glance, who on his only run at Ascot finished 24th in the 2002 Britannia Handicap.
The sire of his dam, Westerner, also only ventured to the Berkshire track on one occasion, getting stuffed albeit chasing home Papineau in the 2004 Ascot Gold Cup. The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure.
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