The ground was described as good to firm at Warwick at noon
on Sunday and in the 3m Novice Chase Éclair Des Sablons only got as far as the second on his chase
debut last time but has the scope to make his mark over fences. A market move
would be worth noting.
The vote, however, goes to Blue N Yellow (1.15) who is 12lbs
better off with Kitty’s Light on Southwell running earlier in the summer over
an extended 2m 4f. The selection met trouble in running on that occasion and
looks ready for a step up to three miles. He certainly has the scope for the
larger obstacles.
There is a terrific handicap chase over 2m 4f and, at his
best, Mercian Prince (2.45) is a bold and exciting front-runner and he is taken
to reverse form with Western Charmer who beat Amy Murphy’s veteran at Uttoxeter
back in July. The selection was below par in a better race last time, but I
hope jack Quinlan can get his mount into a nice rhythm at the head of affairs
although he will get taken on for the lead with old adversary Western Charm another
who likes to make his own running.
France De Reve (3.15) is 7lbs higher for winning a Newton
Abbott mares’ only event last time but she is taken to follow up against the
geldings given she looked to appreciate the step up to today’s 2m 5f trip. She is
Nicky Henderson‘s sole runner on the card.
Go As You Please (3.50) has been running over longer
distances but is taken to appreciate the drop back to the minimum trip in the
2m handicap chase. Paul Webber’s seven-year-old is a long-standing maiden but I
thought he ran a good race last time in his first-time cheek-pieces and
connections look to have found a very winnable looking race.
Desert Vision (2.00) faded close home over 7f at
Wolverhampton last time and the drop back in trip to 6f can see her land the
fillies’ nursery at Leicester for James Tate. The selection did win over seven
furlongs on her last turf start at Sandown, but she travelled so powerfully on
the tapeta last time that connections obviously believe she has the pace to
cope with a drop back to sprinting.
At Wolverhampton Kesarina (7.00) can go one better than when
second at Beverley last time when stepped up to 12f for the first time. The
selection is 2lbs higher in the weights this evening and has the worst of the
draw in stall seven, but Sir Michael Stoute will be keen to get a win next to
her name for breeding purposes and this looks an ideal opportunity. William
Buick take over in the saddle.
