Ten to follow update
We have had three runners from our list since Flintham’s 7-1 success at Warwick and it’s fair to say that on other days we could have had three winners.
First up was Champagne West in a 2 miles 5 furlong handicap chase on Cheltenham’s Trials’ Day card. The going was atrocious but he’d jumped and traveled well before Richard Johnson asked him to go between horses and he fell at one of the fences in the back straight. It was too far out to say what would have happened in the race but he’d been heavily backed and must be considered by his in form connections to be much better than a mid 150s handicapper although he’s now fallen twice over fences from six runs. Just a thought but I felt he jumped much better for Tom O’Brien when second to Village Vic before Christmas and I’d quite like to see the partnership reunited although it’s unlikely to happen. As far as future targets go, I think he might try his luck in a sub standard looking Ryanair but my own preference would be the three mile handicap which precedes The Champion Hurdle.
On Saturday, As De Mee ran in a hot looking Scilly Isles Novices Chase and put up a career best over fences splitting JLT fancy, Bristol De Mai and Feltham winner, Tea For Two. Before he ran over fences this was the type of form I expected but his previous efforts had not been quite up to par. He may have blown his mark of 140 now and would have been something to bet on from that mark but Nicholls, whose horses have been running to a lower level than last season for some time now, indicated that he will only run in high class races now as he doesn’t mind retaining the horse’s novice status for next season. Not much good for us but hopefully the 10-1 each way on Saturday returned some profit.
Yesterday at Fakenham, Aintree mares’ bumper winner, Hollies Pearl, ran over 2 miles 3 furlongs in an ordinary looking novice hurdle and finished second to previous course winner, Prince Of Steal. Pulled up behind was a horse who’d shown high class handicap hurdle form, Dexcite and, having watched a replay, I feel both went too hard too soon and failed to get home in what were very soft conditions for Fakenham. Between two and three out she moved easily on the bridle but patently failed to see the trip out and I reiterate my earlier thoughts that she’ll be seen to her best effect in a strongly run race hopefully in a big field where she can be covered up and utilize her impressive turn of foot. On spring form she’ll be something to bet on from her current mark when she puts it all together.
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