Star can shine on jumps debut
But he knows a good jumper when he gets his hands on one and his Pole Star merits the utmost
respect when he makes his debut over fences in the two-mile Groby Beginners’ Chase at Leicester today.
Placed in the highest company on the level when third in the 2003 Ascot Gold Cup, it came as no surprise when Pole Star made an immediate impact over timber last season, his finest performance being saved for the Cheltenham Festival where he finished an excellent fourth in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.
The minimum trip might be a bit sharp for him, but backers can rest assured that he will have been well schooled by the likes of Steve Smith Eccles and he has the class to make his mark in this new sphere.
Martin Pipe is creeping back into form and Acambo is fancied to make it three wins from as many starts in the two-mile Nomad Novices’ Hurdle.
Having looked a nice recruit when recovering from an unpromising position to win a decent maiden event at Taunton on his domestic debut, the four-time German Flat winner then improved to win a Windsor handicap in good style.
Already favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, how good he actually is remains to be seen, as he was only asked to go and win that race on the run-in, but the answer must surely be good enough to win with something in hand.
Howard Johnson has his string in flying form at present, so Weapons Inspector is fancied to maintain his unbeaten record over regulation fences by winning the Ramside Event Catering Handicap Chase over a stamina-sapping three miles and three furlongs at Sedgefield.
Bought by Graham Wylie after winning an Irish point-to-point last February, the seven-year-old gelding made his domestic debut in a heavy-ground maiden chase over this course and distance five weeks ago, readily defying a distinct lack of support in the betting ring.
Clearly a good deal better than his opposition that day, he had the race sewn up from the third-last, but Graham Lee had to become active in the saddle when his mount showed signs of greenness by idling in the closing stages.
Weapons Inspector looks a long-distance specialist in the making, particularly on testing ground, so he is fancied to make substantial further progress as he gains experience.
Not seen on a racecourse until he was a seven-year-old, Longdale showed only a glimmer of hope over hurdles last spring, but has recently suggested he could make up into a useful chaser.
As a result, he warrants support in the opener at Sedgefield, the gg.com Novices’ Chase over an extended two miles.
There was no fluke about his course and distance victory in a St Stephen’s Day handicap here, despite being sent off at 33-1, and he had moved into a prominent position under a 7lb penalty when unluckily brought down at Ayr a week ago.
