The Home of Jump racing kicks-off the start of the new season with it’s annual Showcase meeting as many of the leading horses, jockeys and trainers return to the promised land of Prestbury Park in search of success.
2:05, Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m 5f
The opening race on the card looks a particularly competitive affair with a case to be made for all seven declared runners. The fast-improving Blaklion represents a yard who won this two years ago with The New One and he’ll almost certainly head the market after winning in good-style on his hurdling debut at Perth. Paul Nicholls won last year’s renewal with Saint Roque and he once again has a good chance with the returning Vicente. The horse hasn’t been seen since being pulled up back in April, but retains plenty of ability if back to full fitness. Arguably the most intriguing runner in the field is Present View, who won over this C&D at the Festival back in March (albeit over the larger obstacles). This looks to be a prep run with next month’s Paddy Power in mind, but he may still have enough experience to clinch his first win over hurdles. Charlie Longsdon has been in good form recently and he may provide the answer for this in the form of FRAMPTON. The five-year-old made a successful start to life over hurdles when making all to beat Milord at Uttoxeter last month, who has subsequently gone on to win since, and at nearly double the odds of the three at the head of the betting he looks to be the value. Supreme Present has been in good nick this summer but she’ll have to put a below-par performance last time out behind her if she is to feature in this. Both Mister Spingsprong and Byron Blue are not without chances, but both face a stiff task carrying a double penalty against this field.
Recommended: FRAMPTON – 11/2
2:40, Squareintheair.com Novices’ Chase (Class 2) – 2m
COURT MINSTREL sets a good standard in novice company off the back of a decent performance at Newton Abbot on his chasing debut. Having been a very smart hurdler, good enough to win a Scottish Champion Hurdle, he potentially looks a chaser going places and can land this en route to bigger and better things. The main danger could come from another hurdling recruit Chris Pea Green. The five-year-old only managed two wins over timber but consistently performed well in defeat against top-class opposition and could revel now switched to fences. Chasing was always on the cards for Un Ace who had an indifferent time of things over the smaller obstacles, but he may be best watched on debut. The only other debutante is course specialist Thomas Crapper who may just find this trip too sharp and should improve when given a more searching test of stamina. Of the remaining three with previous experience over fences, Falcarragh looks to have the best chance of making the frame.
Recommended: COURT MINSTREL – 13/8
Over the sticks 