Medermit was not at all disgraced when runner-up to Go Native in the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham and he should easily win the highstreetvouchers.com Top Novices’ Hurdle.
After a disappointing debut at Exeter in November Alan King’s runner has improved with every performance and looks to be a bright prospect for the future.
Red Maloney was sixth in the same race in Cheltenham, losing his unbeaten tag in the process. He looks as though he needs a greater test of stamina and I wonder if he is better right handed?
Somersby was third, 2¾ lengths behind Medermit in the Supreme Novices and is now re-opposing on 8lbs better terms. On that basis Hen Knight’s gelding should reverse the form, however one cannot help thinking Medermit has more improvement in him.
In the Matalan.com Mildmay Novices’ Chase Paul Nicholls’ Herecomesthetruth looks to be the outstanding choice. His only defeat over the larger obstacles came when he ran out at the last when in contention at Cheltenham last November. Providing his temperament is OK and he has shown none in his four runs since, then he should take all the beating.
Tony McCoy produced the ride of the meeting to bring Wichita Lineman home to win the William Hill Trophy and if he takes part in this contest could be the one to trouble our selection most of all.
Or Jaune has won his last three chases but Gary Moore’s runner will have to improve to play a major role here as this is a step up in class for him.
The Melling Chase looks to be the best race of the day. With Exotic Dancer, Nacarat, Newmill, Schindlers Hunt, Tidal Bay and Voy Por Ustedes all holding entries. It looks as though Exotic Dancer will be taking his chance in the Bowl on Thursday.
Nacarat showed a massive improvement in form to win the Racing Post Trophy at Kempton with consummate ease in February. Whether that was a freak performance or he really has improved that much remains to be seen.
Newmill is one of those horses that promises much but always find one or two better. There is no reason to suspect this race will be any different.
Schindlers Hunt was third in the Ryanair behind Imperial Commander and Voy Por Ustedes and I cannot see him reversing form with the latter in this contest.
It is interesting to see Ruby Walsh rides Scotsirish for Willie Mullins as opposed to either of the Paul Nichols runners. Fifth in the Queen Mother Champion Chase I think it is fair to say that two miles is probably on the sharp side for him nowadays. If anything was to spring a “shock” this could be the one.
Tidal Bay is another of those runners who promise so much yet frequently fail to deliver. He won the Maghull Chase at this meeting last season as well as last years Arkle. This year apart from an intermediate chase at Carlisle he has failed to get his head in front. At his best he could win this contest but he is too much of a risk for my liking.
Voy Por Ustedes is one of those horses that polarises opinion. His critics point out he has won more races than he has lost. His supporters point out he is one of the most consistent runners in training and that where he has lost it has been to superior opposition. He has certainly been suited by the step up to around 2½ miles and his victory in this race last year was impressive. I see him winning this race again.
The Topham Chase over the National Fences is a very interesting contest.
Gwanako won this race last year, which is a big plus, yet when he returned here last November he ended up in the ditch in front of the chair. He went on to win a small race at Acsot nect time out. Last time out he was fifth in the Ryanair at the Festival coming home 8¾ lengths behind the winner and probably running to form. There is no reason why he cannot win this race back to back but others are preferred.
Mr Pointment was runner-up to leading National fancy Black Apalachi in last Novembers Beecher Chase over the larger fences, having won the contest in 2007. Slightly worrying is his dreadful performance last time out at Newbury, when he was never in the race. If you are prepared to forgive that performance then he is one for the shortlist.
New Little Bric won the Newbury race in which Mr Pointment was so disappointing, finally showing the potential that has always been beneath the surface. He by-passed Cheltenham with this race in mind and at 16/1 is a decent each-way proposition.
The other one I fancy is Venetia Williams Ping Pong Sivola, a novice chaser the mare has not been out of the first three since going chasing this season. Last time out she only just went down to stablemate Something Wells in the Freddie Williams Festival Plate. Likely to go off favourite she is a good jumper and is the nearest you will get to an each-way banker at the meeting.
The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle will be reviewed at the overnight stage.