A PERFECT CHOICE
ALFIE’S CHoICE (3.0) can maintain Kim Bailey’s excellent run on a cracking card at Chepstow.
The five-year-old was useful over three miles as a novice and caught the eye when staying on second to the progressive On A Promise over 2m 5f at Wetherby.
The gelding is still unexposed over timber and should make light of a 5lb higher mark back up in trip.
David Pipe’s RAMSES DE TEILLEE (2.25) can go close in a fascinating novices’ chase. The five-year-old has shown a fair level of hurdles form and this ex-winning pointer looks the type to be better over fences.
You’ll love FLAMING CHARMER (3.30) in the Clarion Defence & Security Handicap Chase. Colin Tizzard’s gelding was a good second behind in-form Paddy The Oscar over three miles here last time and can go one better down in trip.
Meanwhile, ARCHETYPE (6.40) is a value bet in the Hyde Stakes at Kempton.
Simon Crisford’s colt improved again when scoring at MaisonsLaffitte in September and can take the step up to Listed level in his stride this evening.
ROYAL RESERVE (7.10) can reign for David O’Meara in a valuable staying event.
The four-year-old was doing all his best work late behind the talented Ply over 1m 3f here last time and should come on plenty over two miles.
■ Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air performed well in a workout at Newbury yesterday.
Trainer Nicky Henderson was delighted with the gelding who will now make his seasonal debut in next Saturday’s Fighting Fifth at Newcastle.
Looking ahead, the Seven Barrows handler is relishing a clash with Faugheen after the former champion’s impressive comeback at Punchestown.
■ Coneygree is on track for next month’s Ladbrokes Trophy after pleasing trainer Mark Bradstock at Newbury. The 10-year-old showed he had clearly recovered from his Wetherby injury scare by jumping and galloping strongly during a session at the track.
It came as handler Harry Fry confirmed leading fancy American would take his chance in the Ladbrokes Trophy after working and schooling well at the Berkshire venue.
■ Trainer Aidan O’Brien announced multiple Group One-winning filly Winter has been retired to stud by Irish owners Coolmore.