15:30 ascot Saturday 17th January 2026

IL ETAIT TEMPS (2) has not looked back since being defeated in the 2024 G1 Arkle. He claimed a second success over the re-opposing JONBON (3) in the G1 Tingle Creek Chase and it's tough to see him not coming out on top once more making it six wins in a row representing trainer Willie Mullins while the latter mentioned won this twelve months ago and remains the biggest danger revisiting a venue where he remains unbeaten both over hurdles and fences. Progressive runner THISTLE ASK (4) deserves a chance against G1 company having produced four consecutive wins for his new connections with a decisive strike in the G2 Desert Orchid Chase (Hcp) at Kempton. GIDLEIGH PARK (1) rounds out the quartet.