Ed CAN BE MAster...
EDWARDSTONE (2.05) can come out on top in one of the best novice chases of the season today.
The eight-year- old is being primed for a crack at the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham for which he is currently 3-1 joint favourite with Blue Lord.
He has done everything right in his last two races winning the Grade One Henry VIII Chase at Sandown before following up cosily at Kempton.
But he faces a stern test in Warwick’s Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices’ Chase with both Third Time Lucki and Brave Seasca in opposition.
Freely
Third Time Lucki was 16 lengths behind Edwardstone at Sandown where he ran too freely but he bounced back at Doncaster 14 days ago.
Brave Seasca gets 5lb from Edwardstone and has won three on the spin including two impressive course and distance successes.
Brave Seasca is 16-1 for the Arkle but those odds will tumble if he can turn over the big two.
There is a small field in the Virgin Bet Mares’ Hurdle where Marie’s rock should get his season back on track while the ITV cameras are also showing the Virgin Bet Warwick Castle Handicap Chase where a chance is taken on THE KING OF MAY (3.15) who is handily weighted.
At Newbury it is folly to oppose Paul Nicholls’ BRAVEMANSGAME (1.15) although his cramped odds don’t appeal as he is giving away lumps of weight.
THE BIG BREAKAWAY (1.50) reverts to hurdling after a disappointing time over fences. His handicap mark is lower over the smaller obstacles and 9-1 appeals in the Daily Rewards With Betfair Handicap Hurdle.
Dual King George VI Chase hero CLAN DES OBEAUX (2.25) is preferred to Royale Pagaille in the Betfair Denman Chase. The drying ground will suit the 10-year- old.
The Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase is a classy affair with Hotman and Sceau Royal at the head of the market.
It could pay to side with the in-form Venetia Williams yard and FUNAMBULE SIVOLA (3.00) shown well last time and gets a handy 6lb from Sceau Royal.