Culloty to team up with Shots
Hot Shots will have the services of Jim Culloty once again in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
Mark Pitman’s charge has won twice and been second once at the Berkshire track already this season, running out a brave half-length winner from Upgrade under his big-race jockey on the latest occasion.
“Jim rides and the horse is in great shape. He’s working well and he’s at the top of his form physically,” the Lambourn trainer said today.
“It’s another rather large step up for the horse and whether he’s up to it or not I don’t know. But it’s a big prize and we’re going to go there and give it a shot.
“I don’t think we’ll be the only ones inconvenienced by heavy ground and he loves it there which is a big plus.”
Hot Shots is a 10-1 chance with the sponsors for the £120,000 (€173,000) contest, which is the richest two-mile event over fences in Britain outside of the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
