Conditions were described as heavy at Warwick ahead of todays seven-race card and there will be many who will expect Grand Turina to build on his recent Lingfield success from just a 2lbs higher mark in the Veterans’ Chase.
Ned Fox was in the plate last time and he takes off a valuable 10lbs in this conditional jockeys’ event. I thought he was always going best last time, and he had a useful and consistent sort back in second, but that win was gained over 2m 4f and I am not convinced todays extra half-mile will suit.
Indeed, rail movements mean that the race will be run over 3m 1f. At 6/4 he is short enough in the betting although he won a novice hurdle here on his sole previous visit.
The handicapper has given Militarian a chance but, despite reservations about the ground, I do feel Toojayslad (2.15) might be a shade overpriced at 10/1 for local trainer Ian Williams. The ew selection – 8s with William Hill – will become a teenager tomorrow but is only 2lbs higher than when scoring on soft ground at Ludlow at the beginning of the year.
Earlier on in the card and Midnight Mary (1.05) can maintain her progression by taking the handicap hurdle over the extended 3m 2f and make it three wins from her last four starts for Stuart Edmunds who had a couple of winners over the Christmas period. The 4s with William Hill ew is fair.
In Rem has won his last three for Jane Williams but he is 13lbs higher than for the last of those victories and all those successes were gained on good ground. His ability to handle today’s conditions must be taken on trust although he was beaten an aggregate of 125L on his two starts on soft ground for Gary Moore.
I think the winner of the 3m handicap chase at Uttoxeter will come out of a similar contest at Ffos Las recently when One Fer Mamma – 9/2 with Boylesports – finished a well beaten third after Ranieri (1.30) fell when going well on the second circuit. That was the former’s chase debut, and he is entitled to come on for the experience, but his finishing effort was tame for one who is bred to want extreme distances.
Ranieri – 9s with 10Bet – is a winner between the flags in his native Ireland and looked to improve for the application of blinkers before coming a cropper last time. He has the scope to jump a fence and gets the each way vote at double the price of the Stan Shepherd horse who is fitted with cheekpieces for the first time.
