It’s an interesting day of racing at Warwick this afternoon and there are a number of good races. None more so than the Novices Chase at 2pm where a small but select field line up. The speedy two miles around Warwick should really suit FOR PLEASURE and I can’t believe he is 15/2. Alex Hales’ horse proved to be a vastly improved horse last year and even finished third in the Supreme. His free going style means he might just get away from his rivals today if able to negotiate the fences efficiently on chase debut. Edwardstone didn’t jump that well on chase debut last year, Do Your Job may want it softer and similar comments apply to King Roland who has a bit to prove anyway so although it looks a competitive race I do think the selection is the standout bet on this ground around this track.
Warwick 2.00 – For Pleasure
It feels like RAPPER has been around ages but he remains relatively lightly raced and fairly handiapped. Henry Daly’ horse hasn’t been seen since an encouraging chase debut here at Aintree last October and he returns to the smaller obstacles today. He looks very well handicapped if you look at his last run over hurdles when finishing 7th in a hot Pertemps handicap at the festival. A repeat of that run will see him go very close as a lot of his rivals look like they may be having a prep run.
The Badger Beer chase has never been very kind to me but I will be very disappointed if CAP DU NORD doesn’t run a mighty race. Christian Williams‘ horse enjoyed a breakthrough season last year as he racked up some big runs in some very hot handicaps. Williams had always said he would be a better horse this year and I definitely buy into that as he is only 8. He looks well weighted off 135 and a prep run at Chepstow would have put him spot on for this assignment. I hope he can take this before going on to bigger and better things.
Saturday
Aintree 1.08 – Rapper
Wincanton 3.00 – Cap Du Nord
