Cheltenham had a welcome 10mls of rain on Wednesday and the ground is good ahead of today's opening fixture at the home of jumps racing.
Only four go to post for the Novices' Chase over the minimum trip including the chasing newcomer Qewy who finished fifth in the Supreme Novices' back in the spring but whose ability to jump a fences in this company must be taken on trust. This can go to Ireland and Rock The World (2.45) who has plenty of chasing experience, will love the ground and has Barry Geraghty in the plate.
King Boru (3.20) has a 7lbs pull with Mr Shantu for the 6L he was beaten by the David Pipe trained runner at Warwick last month and that might be enough to see the form reversed. That was the selection's first start for Dan Skelton and the trainer might be able to garner a bit more improvement from the 7-year-old who looks a thorough stayer.
Vicente won a good novice hurdle at this corresponding meeting last year for Paul Nicholls and won a couple of novice chases for the champion trainer back in the spring. He is a big danger but Ballykan (3.55) has looked a natural since switching to the larger obstacles and I will be disappointed if he doesn't make it three out of three over fences.
Few horses disappointed me more, albeit in a light campaign, than Liberty One (5.05) last season but first time out might be the time to catch him and he did win three point-to-points over 3miles in his native Ireland. He has the scope to still make his mark over fences and confidence would be increased if the market spoke in his favour.
Mantou (5.40) travelled through the race like the best horse at Chepstow over 2m 3f last time before, seemingly, running out of stamina in the last quarter of a mile. The 4-year-old returns to the minimum trip in the finale and is taken to score in a competitive event for John Ferguson whose string remain in excellent form.
At Doncaster it is hard to oppose Magic Circle (3.45) despite the fact that the slight drop back in trip from 2miles to the St Leger trip of an extended mile-and-three-quarters is a slight negative given the gelding only got on top close home at Haydock a week ago. He runs with a 6lbs penalty but is actually 3lbs well-in given he has been raised 9lbs by the handicapper.
Zest (2.00) made a highly encouraging debut when runner up at Haydock on debut and this well bred filly can go one better in the mile maiden for James Fanshawe whose stable remain in excellent form. There are some well-bred debutantes in opposition especially September Stars who cost 260,000gns as a yearling; this corresponding race has been won by some useful sorts in the past and this looks another informative renewal.
At Newbury The New Pharaoh (5.15) is 7lbs higher than when running out with the race at his mercy at Catterick earlier in the month. He has the worst of the draw in stall 14, obviously has his quirks and is ridden by an apprentice I am not too familiar with (Samuel Clarke) but the selection is unexposed at this trip, will appreciate the forecast soft ground and is given a chance to atone for his antics last time.
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