Straw Bear can stake Cheltenham claims
Bought out of Mark Prescott’s yard by JP McManus, the five-year-old gelding was sent to Nick Gifford for schooling over hurdles and the trainer had clearly done a thorough job as Straw Bear routed his opposition at Leicester three weeks ago.
Never far off the pace, he took up the running two out and easily drew clear to score by seven lengths with 129-rated Acambo, who was conceding 8lb, a further length back in third.
Seemingly capable of acting on any ground, Straw Bear can book a place in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle if he makes the expected progress here.
The Outlier appears to have a solid chance of opening his account in the Lookout Restaurant Maiden Chase over two miles and five furlongs.
He got no further than the second fence on his chasing bow in mid-December when he raced much too freely, but he jumped adequately under restraint at Plumpton just over a fortnight ago.
The Outlier looked sure to make a fight of it when moving into contention at the end of the back straight but he had no answer to the progressive Elfkirk. He stayed on well in the closing stages though, and today’s extra furlong can only help as he bids to go one better.
Martin Pipe’s Doc Row could be the answer in the Stelling Minnis Novices’ Hurdle.
He seems sure to appreciate the stiffer test of stamina over an extended two miles and six furlongs as he was closing fast over a slightly inadequate trip.
Alphabetical seems the most likely winner of the Deane Veterinary Centre Handicap Chase at Taunton.
A lightly-raced maiden over hurdles, he was sent off favourite for his debut over fences at Bangor last month, but he faded over the last couple of fences and eventually crossed the line in fifth spot, beaten almost 20 lengths.
He put that run behind him at Fontwell when last seen, quickening clear as he slammed Walcot Lad by 17 lengths, winning with any amount in hand.
The handicapper has had his say, but a repeat performance here may well be good enough.
