CHAMP TO STAMP HIS AUTHORITY
CHAMP ensured his days in handicap company were numbered with a very impressive performance over today’s course and distance, and although a case can be made for any of his six rivals to win a superb race, he looks a class act in the making and is taken to remain unbeaten over hurdles. Connections were effusive in their praise of the King’s Theatre gelding following his rout of a competitive field here last time and, with the likes of Man Of Plenty, Padleyourowncanoe and Sussex Ranger obliging subsequently to handsomely enhance the form, Champ’s claims look difficult to resist. That is not to say this will be straightforward, with Huntingdon scorer Brewin’Upastorm likely to step forward again for a stiffer test of stamina today. The pre-race market for his debut suggested he was a smart novice and he delivered a dominant display in the hands of Richard Johnson. Kateson should not be underestimated either following a course and distance success last month, while the rapidly progressive Getaway Trump is respected as he strives to complete a swift hat-trick. However, Champ moved so stylishly through his last race and put it to bed with such authority that the handicapper afforded him a mark of 150 and a rating of that magnitude would have been sufficient enough for him to have won a sizeable percentage of the last 10 renewals of this race.
BEST BET: CHAMP