Wincanton 22 October 2006
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DE SOTO, who finished second in the champion bumper at last year's Cheltenham Festival, has had his problems but has to be regarded as a leading player in this company despite almost a year off the track. Paul Webber is capable of having one ready following an absence and this Peter Deal-owned gelding has plenty of potential. Hot Zone and Pepporoni Pete should go well and She's Our Daisy looked an improved performer when winning easily on her reappearance at this track.
Macmar and Sonoma look the best of those with experience and it would be no surprise to see both thereabouts at the finish. However, point-to-point winner SO NOW is making his NH debut for Paul Nicholls and given his trainer's terrific strike-rate in all spheres at his local track, he gets the vote here. Theatre Groom has been placed in three of his four starts over timber and has each-way claims once again.
The return to a longer trip will benefit Peveril Pride, who shaped encouragingly on his return to action last time, but this represents a step up in class. The safest proposition looks to be OAKFIELD LEGEND following his latest improved effort when runner-up at Worcester. Apprentice jockey James Diment seems to get on well with Pip Payne's charge, for whom today's trip and conditions should be ideal. The best of Superrollercoaster's form gives him a squeak.
Recent C&D winner Avesomeofthat may prefer quicker conditions and, with further rain forecast, deteriorating ground will count against him. A chance is instead taken on MIKADO MELODY, who is interesting on his return from a six month absence. John Portman's charge registered his only victory to date when he was turned out following a break and it is apparent he goes particularly well when fresh. He has run well from his current handicap mark in the past and can get the better of the consistent Alrafid.
This might finally be a chance for JARRO to take advantage of his handy looking mark after running some fine races in defeat over the past few months. It has been a while since Venetia Williams' charge visited the winners' enclosure but it is clear he retains his ability and it is a major positive that he has a fine record in small field events such as this. Semi Precious has gone well following a break in the past and may have a say, but the lightly weighted Norseman Cateline could pose the main threat.
Last years winner I HEAR THUNDER bids for a repeat success and Bob Buckler's eight-year-old is taken to turn around recent Chepstow running with Tribal Venture and get his head in front. He has just over a length to make up on today's rival but was returning from a six month break that day and also has a 4lb pull at the weights here. McKelvey is one to consider for minor honours.
Any rainfall would be a concern for Sonoma, who has claims on form but has never won with ease underfoot. The one to beat on hurdling form is Cruising River, but he wasn't overly impressive at Uttoxeter last time and may struggle to give weight to CLOSED SHOP. Phillip Hobbs has his horses in grand form at present and this son of top NH sire Saddlers Hall made a very favourable impression when winning a Bangor bumper in March. He will have been well-schooled in advance of his hurdling bow.
