Hunter Chase Betting Service

Fri, Mar 5, 2010

Newbury – Friday, March 5^th

ALPHABETICAL – Interesting recruit to this sphere, having won three out of his last four chases when last seen in late 2008 (the latest off 127). Presumably must have had problems and needs a sound surface, but must have leading claims in a race of this nature if fit, with the potentially top-class Jake Greenall taking off 7lbs.

GOOD COMPANY – Stamina unproven for this trip, having been mainly campaigned over shorter distances in the past (never won beyond 2m2f), but was rated 135 at his peak and seems to acts on either good or soft ground. I’ve been making the mistake of trying to oppose Jonjo animals in this grade this season but they seem to be running different types of horse than in the past, with plenty of success. If he stays, he’ll be there or thereabouts.

PAOLO SOPRANI – Dual winner in Ireland; a Point in April ’06 and a 16 runner beginners’ chase in ’08, both on good ground. Indifferent form in between and after and not seen for 21 months (sold cheaply in summer ’08). Conditions should be fine and has joined a good yard, but has an unconvincing profile and probably best watched.

RUAIRI – Fairly lightly raced under Rules, with his two chasing successes including a Market Rasen novice handicap off 125 (good) in April ’08. Returned after a long absence to outbattle a renowned shirker in a decent Mens Open at Whitfield (good time, some classy types well behind), and should be spot on for this return to Rules racing. Stable did well with Balinova in this sphere and this fellow looks up to following in his hoofprints.

WHICH POCKET – Regressive chaser ‘08/’09 (previously best over 2m4f on good or heavy) but returned to some sort of form when landing a moderate and steadily run Ladies Open at Detling a month ago, giving this rider a first win in the process. Needs to step up significantly on that form to figure here.

ALROYAL – Genuine sort who stays 3m in Points, but much better suited by shorter trips, as he showed when winning over this sort of trip at Newton Abbot. Not seen since a fair fourth over the minimum at Cheltenham in May and despite conditions being in his favour today, others have both a form and fitness advantage in this grade.

GENTLE GEORGE – Giant gelding who should certainly be suited by this galloping track, even more so than Huntingdon where he gamely beat the useful Burntoakboy on his comeback (the odds-on favourite had departed early). Remains a chaser of enormous potential and as long as the ground doesn’t dry out has the talent to be a leading contender in this company.

MOLOSTIEP – Irish Pointing winner and subsequently successful twice at Towcester; in the process of running well at Sandown when he unseated at the Pond Fence on his debut in this sphere, and worth another look judged on that effort, but his Rules for was inferior to many of his rivals today and probably has something to find at these weights.

NEW TEAM – Disappointing chaser who ran well to finish second in a novice riders’ race at Detling on his comeback, but it was in a slow time (6 seconds slower than the Ladies won by Which Pocket) and looks to have a lot on his plate here; rider yet to ride a winner and is making his Rules debut.

SAINTSAIRE – Would have eaten most of these for breakfast in the past but regressive since his last win (here, off 131 over 2m1f on soft in December ’07) and lost touch after 2m in the Open won by Ruiari at Whitfield on his Pointing debut. His track record is respected but he looks past it now and best opposed.

Conclusion – A good race in which the Rules imports Alphabetical and Good Company look nailed on to go close, but Gentle George is a chaser with a big future in front of him and gets the vote with conditions looking ideal. Ruiari is another with solid claims on recent form.