Aintree 21 October 2006
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Marc Of Brilliance travelled smoothly when making a winning debut over timber at Plumpton, but he wouldn't want the ground on the soft side and any rain may well scupper his chances. Total Victory made an encouraging start to his hurdling career when third at Gowran Park, while any market move for Pouvoir would be interesting. However, POQUELIN finished second in a Group 3 at Chantilly on his latest start and looks a smart recruit for his powerful yard.
A fascinating Novices' Chase where only Aegean Pirate can be dismissed with any confidence. Cherub scored on his second outing over fences at Towcester and is clearly on the upgrade, while Lennon transferred his smart bumper form to timber and will hold every chance if taking to the larger obstacles. Good Spirit was a winner on the level and over timber in his native France and is sure to be well prepared by connections, but PENZANCE looked to be revitalised by the switch to chasing when scoring at Hereford and he can use that experience to good effect here.
Iffy continues to run well despite finding himself 11lbs higher than his last winning mark. Archie Babe had Town Crier 28 lengths behind when scoring at Wetherby latest, but Sue Smith's eleven-year-old looked badly in need of that race and it would be no surprise were he to exact his revenge on 8lb better terms. However, INTO THE SHADOWS was last seen taking his chance in the Grade 3 Swinton Hurdle at Haydock. Two recent spins on the level should have brought him to the boil and he looks capable of going close off his current mark.
BUTLER'S CABIN put a promising first effort over fences to good use when coming clear to beat Jarro at Hereford on Sunday. A quick reappearance would suggest he has come out of that race well and he could be hard to beat. Steppes Of Gold has not really fulfilled earlier promise, but this represents his easiest task for some time, so he should go well. Neptune Joly won a 4yo chase in France last summer, but he may be playing for minor honours this afternoon.
The promising BLEAK HOUSE makes his debut for new connections this afternoon. Previously with Tom Tate, he fulfilled earlier promise with a comfortable success in a Haydock bumper in April and will be expected to make up into a useful hurdler this term. Charmahal opened his account in a Ballinrobe bumper in May, creating a good impression in doing so and is another to run for new connections. French maiden Poliglotti has to be respected on his first outing for Alan King this afternoon.
Rabbit has proved consistency personified this summer - rattling wins off at Uttoxeter, Worcester and Stratford. She should have no problems with today's stamina test, but finds herself 24lbs higher than for her first win and any easing of the ground would be against her. Cooldine Lad has been lightly-raced since landing a point-to-point on easy ground in Ireland two years ago and may be capable of further improvement, but BLUE SPLASH displayed enough promise last term to suggest he can pick up a race like this and with his ability to stay and act on the ground proven, he can gain a deserved success.
