A cracking midweek card at Warwick and I hope Bristol De Mai (2.20) can go one better than when runner up to Garde La Victoire (14s for the Arkle at BetVictor) at Uttoxeter on his chase debut for Nigel Twiston-Davies. The selection was no match for the Hobbs runner on that occasion but the winner followed up at Cheltenham on Sunday and the grey is entitled to come on for the experience.
Alan King has his string in fine form and his Karezak looks the main danger on his chase debut having run an excellent race on both recent starts over timber; he lacks the experience of Bristol De Mai over the larger obstacles, however, and might just lack the scope of his fellow 4-y-old.
Sceau Royal (1.10) in the same colours as Bristol De Mai but trained by King is taken to get back to winning ways having finished second, beaten a nose, in the listed Wensleydale Hurdle at Wetherby last month.
Arthamint (3.20) was controversially disqualified at Lingfield last week when his rider weighed in a pound-and-a-half light over 2m 4f (you are allowed 1lb) and I think compensation awaits for Dan and Harry Skelton.
At Chepstow Champagne At Tara (1.20) wears a hood for the first time having been keen early at Wetherby in handicap company over 2m 3f returning from a long break and it could be significant that Jonjo O’Neill drops his 6-y-o grey back in trip in the second division of the novices’ hurdle.
Castarnie is worth keeping an eye on to see if there is stable confidence on his reappearance but I hope it is a “grey day” with the nod going to Safran De Cotte (2.30) who has won first time out in the past and is a C&D winner.
The selection is particularly well handicapped on his best form and whilst the yard of Henry Daly are not exactly firing in the winners they aren’t running badly, and Richard Johnson has ridden the 9-y-old to victory twice in the past. The money came for Crack Of Thunder on his chase debut and it will be interesting to see if his supporters are back for more; Aidan Coleman takes over and he looks a big danger if his jumping holds up.
Hexham must pass an 8am inspection but if the meeting gets the green light Frankie’s Promise (12.55) can atone for an unlucky defeat at Ayr last week when looking all over the winner only to unseat Brian Harding at the last. Despite the steadier of 11st 12lbs he is extremely well handicapped on his best form and this looks a gilt edged opportunity given he is likely to be raised a good few pounds by the handicapper from the weekend.
I am going to give Athlon (6.25) another chance at Kempton this evening having hung badly when well held at Wolverhampton last month. One could argue the colt will have a handicap mark after three quick runs following tonight, but I think he has a bit more ability than he has shown to date and he is likely to go off a double figure price.
In the listed Hyde Stakes I hope Sovereign Debt (6.55) can give weight and a beating to the opposition in a really competitive event; the winner will automatically get an invite to Finals Day at Lingfield on Good Friday but this is a top class race in its own right. Richard Pankhurst and the evergreen Irish raider Gordon Lord Byron are obvious dangers in as good a race as you will see all winter on the all-weather.
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