White backing Lowry’s Bar for Reynoldstown glory

Johnson White is optimistic Lowry’s Bar can turn the tables on Windsor conqueror Jingko Blue when they clash again in the Ebony Horse Club Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot.

Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old made it two from two when claiming the rearranged Hampton Novices’ Chase and will be attempting to add another Grade Two victory to his CV in this three-mile event.

However, the result could have been different had Lowry’s Bar not made a mistake at the third-last fence and he takes on his old rival on 5lb better terms.

White, who trains Lowry’s Bar with Philip Hobbs, said: “It’s the big rematch and I hope our pull in the weights will play in our favour. Barring that mistake three out at Windsor, I think we would have been very close to Nicky’s horse there, so I hope we have a really nice chance.

“His jumping has always been very accurate over both hurdles and fences apart from that third-last at Windsor. I thought it was very brave of him to come back and jump the last two fences the way he did after his mistake and he battled all the way to the line.

“He’s never run on ground as fast as he will encounter on Saturday but neither has Nicky’s horse either, so it will be slightly unknown territory, but as long as it’s safe he will take his chance.”

Elsewhere on the card, Lucy Wadham’s Terresita will step up in trip to three miles as she returns to Ascot for the Betfair Swinley Handicap Chase.

She was impressive as she galloped home four and a quarter lengths clear of Hitman in the Bet365 Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs at the same course last time out and could be poised for a raiding mission to Ireland after her latest venture to Berkshire.

Wadham said: “She ran really well here in the Bet365 chase and obviously she’s gone up 6lb now, so that will make it a bit more difficult but we’re stepping up in trip by a couple of furlongs and I’m hoping that will be helpful and she’s in good order.

“After Ascot, I think we’ll go to Punchestown. We won’t go to Cheltenham or Aintree.”

Harry Fry’s Altobelli was another to taste success on Clarence House Chase day, getting the victory his smart course form had promised.

He now shoulders the burden of top-weight seeking to double up in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle.

Fry said: “We were delighted with his performance there last time and we’re going back over the same course and distance hoping to go very well again.

“He seems in good order and has a good record at the track. He appreciated the step up in trip last time, which we knew he would and we’re looking forward to taking his chance once again.

“He’s higher in the weights and is actually top weight on Saturday but he’s a big, strong horse and I don’t think that will be an issue. We hope he can put up another big performance.”