Wilde can rise to the ‘Oxo’ challenge

Oscar Wilde can make it a second win on the bounce in the John Bigg "Oxo" Handicap Chase at Huntingdon.

Like many of Sue Smith's horses this term, he took a while to get going before posting a really promising effort when beaten into second at Market Rasen on Boxing Day.

He was just run out of it in the finish that day, but clearly that put Oscar Wilde spot-on for his next assignment as he triumphed at Sedgefield at the end of January.

While it was only an ordinary event, he pulled away at the line - with a slight drop in distance to an extended two miles and three furlongs appearing to suit.

The second has since strolled home by 18 lengths to give the form a strong look, and while an 8lb hike in the weights is not ideal, Oscar Wilde can rise to the challenge.

Royal Pagaille came off second best in a match race on his British bow.

B ut he can feel the bene- fit of the outing in the threerunner MansionBet Proud To Support British Racing Beg inners' Chase.

He was previously seen finishing second in a Listed race at Auteuil in October 2018 before making his debut for Venetia Williams at Chepstow last month.

Up against a fine rival in Vision Des Flos, Royale Pagaille jumped well in the main before making a couple of errors as he began to tire towards the finish.

The outing should have done him the world of good, and he is one to watch going forward.

Chief Brody has often run well fresh and can do so again in the MansionBet Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle.

William Muir's nine-yearold has been absent for more than eight months.

But that sort of break has been no detriment in the past, and he has also proved he is capable of handling the anticipated testing conditions.

In the closing MansionBet Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, Fortunate Fred has obvious claims.

Jamie Snowden's gelding ran well to be third in a stronger race over course and distance last month and with that initial experience under his belt, he is the one to beat this time.

Instant Replay struck gold at Sedgefield on his latest start and can make it a course double in the Watch Sky Sports Racing In HD

Handicap Chase.

He showed plenty of guts to topple a rival who travelled much better in the main, with