Chambertin to sparkle as Pipe seeks fifth win

Grey can put Newcastle mishap behind him

David Pipe can record an impressive fifth triumph in the Betfred Midlands Grand National by saddling GEVREY CHAMBERTIN to Uttoxeter glory. The nine-year-old was in the process of putting in one of his best performances for some time in the Eider Chase at Newcastle last month but unseated his rider at the 19th fence when travelling well in fifth place.

Be that as it may, Gevrey Chambertin remains nicely treated on his best form as he 1lb lower than when he won at Carlisle a year ago.

Pipe will have left no stone unturned to restore the grey’s confidence in preparation for a crack at this valuable prize.

Harry Fry’s decision to sidestep the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival with AMERICAN can pay dividends with a decent pay day in the Betfred TV Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Fry describes American as ‘fragile’ as his career record of just five starts shows, but there is also no denying his ability.

He has won both his races over fences this season and was most impressive when casting aside Champers On Ice in a Listed novice chase at Warwick in January.

With that form in the book, it is not surprising American heads the weights for this three-mile contest and, on all evidence, he looks up to the task. Fry can also strike with DASHING OSCAR in the Betfred-sponsored handicap hurdle.

BOLLIN ACE looks hard to beat in a disappointingly small field for the final of the Sun Bets Northern Staying Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Series at Newcastle.

Tim Easterby’s six-year-old can complete a hat-trick after two smooth victories at Sedgefield on her last two starts. Lucinda Russell sends out CATCHTHEMOONLIGHT – a winner at Hexham in November – in the final race of the day and should be rewarded for her trip across the border.

SELECTIONS: NEWCASTLE: 2.00 Reivers Lad, 2.35 The Ramblin Kid, 3.10 Vasco D’Ycy, 3.45 Bollin Ace, 4.20 Titian Boy, 4.55 Reverant Cust, 5.30 Fiddler’s Flight.

UTTOXETER: 1.50 Graasten, 2.25 American, 3.00 Dashing Oscar, 3.35 GEVREY CHAMBERTIN (NAP), 4.10 Ballyarthur, 4.45 Ballycoe, 5.20 Flobury, 5.50 Buckby Boy.

DOUBLE: Gevrey Chambertin and American.