HALDON FOR FOREST
FOREST BIHAN (2.0) is the call in a cracking renewal of the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter today.
Brian Ellison’s chaser was a high-class novice last season and signed off with a game second to San Benedeto in the Maghull at Aintree in April.
The six-year-old did me a nice turn when bolting up on last month’s comeback at Kelso and should be primed for the return to Grade Two level.
Harry Fry’s JUST A STING (1.0) looks a value bet in the novices’ hurdle. The Scorpion gelding landed both his bumpers in taking style last term and should relish the step up to 2m 5f on his timber debut.
BALLYOPTIC (2.35) is hard to oppose in the novices’ chase for team Twiston-Davies of trainer Nigel and jockey son Sam.
A Grade One-winning hurdler, this scopey type should have too much class for some useful rivals on his fencing bow. The thriving Naunton handler can complete a double with ARTHUR MC BRIDE (3.35).
The eight-year-old is fit after a profitable autumn Flat campaign and remains on a workable mark over timber.
ABOVE BOARD (3.05) can claim a trappy handicap chase for Jonjo O’Neill and JP McManus.
A fair novice hurdler, the six-year-old hacked up on his fencing debut at Worcester and rates a surefire improver for his shrewd connections.
GALACTIC POWER (4.10) can star for Warwick handler Robin Dickin in the lucky last.
The seven-year-old caught the eye when third in a competitive event at Towcester in May and has a terrific record when fresh.
■ Might Bite will make his eagerly-anticipated return in the Future Stars Intermediate Chase at Sandown on Sunday.
Last season’s RSA hero is reported to be thriving by trainer Nicky Henderson and will run in the Listed contest as long as the going is suitable.
■ Jonjo O’Neill is lowering his sights with last year’s Gold Cup runner-up Minella Rocco.
The gelding will return to Cheltenham for the Grade Three BetVictor Handicap Chase in two weeks after his disappointing seasonal debut at Punchestown, trailing home in fourth.
■ Barters Hill will make his long-awaited comeback before the end of the year.
Trainer Ben Pauling has reported the star stayer is working well after a year-long absence and could reappear at Ascot or Cheltenham next month.