Waiting Patiently bids for Ascot Chase repeat - (2026)
Updated: 03/03/2026
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Ruth Jefferson’s Waiting Patiently has lived up his name ahead of his bid to win a second Ascot Chase (15:55) on Saturday.
Waiting Patiently landed his maiden Grade One success in the race 12 months ago, taking his record to a perfect seven-from-seven over fences as he held off Cue Card by just under three-lengths.
It was an emotional success for Jefferson, being his first after she took over the trainer’s licence from her late father Malcolm and arriving just a day after his funeral.
The horse missed the spring festivals after a minor setback and this season has been a waiting game due to the unseasonably dry weather.
Waiting Patiently was pitched in at the deep end on his return in the King George on Boxing Day.
Many wondered if he would get the three-mile journey but, in the end, he was luckless as his unbeaten chasing record was claimed when he was brought down by Bristol De Mai before having a chance to play his hand.
He’s back over his ideal 2m5f distance at Ascot this afternoon and is the 7/4 favourite with Betfred to win a second Ascot Chase.
He faces five rivals, with the Paul Nicholls-trained C&D winner Politologue, currently 3/1, joining stablemate Cyrname and Fox Norton amongst the main dangers. Jefferson feels he deserves the tag of being favourite.
“It’s easy to see why he has been made favourite,” she said.
“Bar Politologue, he has the strongest form in the book – and he has also beaten Politologue before (in a Grade Two Haydock novices’ chase two years ago).”
The trainer will walk the track on Saturday before racing but, with forecast conditions of good to soft-good in places, it looks like the stage is set for Waiting Patiently.
“We’ll have to take our chance, all being well – there are no easy Grade Ones,” Jefferson added.
“I will walk the course. He is a horse with a high knee action – as long there is soft, he will run. If we didn’t think it was right for him, then he wouldn’t.”
Victory on Saturday could tee Waiting Patiently up for a tilt at the Ryanair Chase next month at the Cheltenham Festival, a race he is currently 6/1 with Betfred to win.
Odds subject to change.
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