Expect Bathiva to confirm potential

The progressive BATHIVA can start his new season with victory in the Thatchers Cider Novices’ Handicap Chase at Taunton.

The six-year-old is making his stable debut for Fergal O’Brien, having signed off in March with an emphatic course-anddistance success when under David Dennis’ care.

He resumes from a 10lb higher rating, which appears entirely fair for his nine-length dismissal of subsequent winner Desque De L’Isle.

That performance came on soft ground, which is unlikely around Taunton at this time of year despite the recent rain.

But Bathiva has plenty of decent form on a quicker surface, in both his Irish bumpers and over hurdles for Dennis.

He showed promise on his chase debut at Ludlow, before a late mistake took its toll, and on only his third start over fences he has obvious potential for his new trainer.

EARTH LEADER is also returning for a new stable, having been expertly campaigned in pointto-points and hunter chases by the late Rose Loxton over the last two years.

He will not want the ground to deteriorate on his first attempt for Harry Fry.

But on the basis of his fine hunter form, from a rating of just 117, Earth Leader could have plenty in hand of his rivals in the Newton King Estate Agents Handicap Chase.

SELECTIONS FAKENHAM:

1.02 Plenty In The Tank, 1.32 Princeton Royale, 2.02 Isayalittleprayer, 2.32 Vinnie’s Getaway, 3.02 Gaelik Coast, 3.32 Glimpse Of Gold, 4.02 Sun Rising Hill. NOTTINGHAM: 12.45 King Francis, 1.15 Espresso Freddo, 1.50 Hey Mr, 2.20 Rasheeq, 2.50 Land Of Winter, 3.20 Cadeau D’Or, 3.50 Seaborough, 4.20 Contrast.

TAUNTON: 1.40 Level Of Intensity, 2.10 Glory And Honour, 2.40 Bomber’s Moon, 3.10 Friend Or Foe, 3.40 BATHIVA (NAP), 4.10 Earth Leader, 4.40 My Keepsake.

DOUBLE: Earth Leader and Bathiva.