14:40 Sedgefield
Charmant has won in impressive fashion on both chase runs to date, looking a potentially smart prospect when beating a subsequent winner at Kelso last time out. He seems to have struck up a great partnership with Brian Hughes, a jockey with nine wins from twenty-one in the last twelve months when riding for the trainer and can make light of a 9lbs rise by notching the hat-trick here.
The most likely challenger looks to be Hawk High who was a Grade 3 winner over the smaller obstacles and has won two from four since switching to fences. Today sees him pitched into handicap company but he looks the most likely to give our selection something to think about.
A final mention goes to Manwell who also arrives here in top form having won his last two, although is passed over as this is a step up in class and also sees a step back in trip which isn’t guaranteed to suit.
Charmant (WIN) – NAP
14:00 Fontwell
Greanteen could only manage sixth on debut for Paul Nicholls but three that finished ahead of him won next time out and the winner has placed at Listed level since. He was well supported for his second outing and duly obliged for supporters, staying on strongly and beating an evens favourite by eight lengths. Based on that run he looks a cut above his rivals here and should be capable of defying the penalty.
On The Slopes won over course and distance on Boxing Day, his first run over hurdles, travelling strongly and staying on well to beat Coole Well who was looking to follow up on a victory earlier in the month. He also has to carry a penalty but should be capable of further progression and rates as the main danger.
The Flying Sofa won a bumper over course and distance almost twelve months ago but could couldn’t get competitive in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham when last seen. Both his jumping ability and his fitness needs to be taken on trust but his trainer has a decent record here so he could play a part at the finish.
Greanteen (WIN)
Fontwell:
13:30 – Dream Du Grand Val (WIN)
14:00 – Greanteen (WIN)
14:30 – Sky Full Of Stars (WIN)
15:00 – Grange Ranger (E/W)
15:30 – Goring One (WIN)
16:00 – Urbanist (WIN)
Naas:
13:20 – Farid (WIN)
13:50 – Espoir D’Allen (WIN)
14:20 – Shady Operator (WIN)
14:50 – Empire Escape (E/W)
15:20 – Share The Honour (WIN)
15:50 – Danse Away (WIN)
16:20 – Ificudiwud (WIN)
Sedgefield:
13:10 – Travel Lightly (WIN)
13:40 – Young Phoenix (WIN)
14:10 – Deputy Jones (WIN)
14:40 – Charmant (WIN)
15:10 – Mance Rayder (E/W)
15:40 – Dartford Warbler (WIN)
16:10 – Copt Hill (WIN)
