GO NATIVE AT CHEPSTOW
NATIVE RIVER (2.40) can keep the Tizzard bandwagon rolling by claiming the Welsh National at Chepstow.
One of last term’s star novice chasers, the six-year-old looked better than ever when staying on strongly to claim the Hennessy at Newbury last month.
The gelding looks well-treated under a penalty despite having to carry top weight and should have too far much class for some quality handicappers.
Assistant trainer Joe Tizzard said: “Native River was very impressive in the Hennessy. He’s gone up 8lb in the handicap but can run with only a 4lb penalty.
“The track will suit him and he has a great chance. With the ground as it is, I’m not worried about him having top weight.”
ROLLING DYLAN (1.25) can land a trappy three-mile handicap hurdle for Phillip Hobbs.
The five-year-old got off the mark in style over timber in a 2m4f novice event at Uttoxeter and this rapid improver looks just the type to do plenty of damage in handicap company.
The Minehead handler can enjoy a quick double with DEFI DU SEUIL (2.00) in the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle.
JP McManus’ youngster oozed class when bringing up his four-timer in a Grade 2 event at Cheltenham six weeks ago and I don’t think we’ve quite seen the best of him at this stage.
Venetia Williams’ ASO (3.15) ran a blinder to take second in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham and can go one better off a workable mark in the Coral Handicap Chase.
There’s also a cracking card at Kempton where ALTIOR (1.45) can throw down the gauntlet to his Arkle market rival Min in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase.
Nicky Henderson’s star ran out a convincing winner of the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown and can gain some more valuable match practice in a weakerlooking contest.
SIRE DE GRUGY (2.20) is still one of the best two-milers in the business and he can give weight away all round in the Desert Orchid Chase.
Gary Moore’s veteran gave Un de Sceaux a real scare in the Tingle Creek at Sandown and can gain some compensation dropped back into Grade 2 company.
Plenty in with chances in the 32Red Handicap Chase but I’m rowing in with Team Ditcheat’s MORE BUCK’S (3.30).
The front-running six-year-old has made rapid progress since being switched to fences and can shrug off an 8lb hike for his cosy recent Sandown success.