Plate stamina test should be within Afsoun’s compass
The O’Neill yard has been out of form for some time and after Black Jack’s capitulation last time it would take a brave man to back him again so quickly.
Wichita Lineman is an altogether different character and was far from disgraced behind Hardy Eustace in the Ascot Hurdle.
But his running style suggests he will find this extended two-mile-four-furlong trip on the short side and he too is overlooked.
On that basis, Afsoun has the fewest questions to answer – even though Nicky Henderson admitted to being in two minds as to what trip he really wants.
But the way he stayed on up the hill to claim third place in the Champion Hurdle suggests this should be well within his compass.
Predateur is running out of excuses but the weight allowance he receives just makes him the pick in a competitive renewal of the Utopia Group “Dipper” Novices’ Chase.
He was no match for Tidal Bay last time but he meets nothing of that calibre this time.
The competitive Turf Tv New Year Chase Handicap can go to Alison Thorpe’s Model Sun.
Just over six lengths behind Over The Creek here last month, that form was franked by the winner finishing third in the Welsh National and off a feather weight of 10st, he must be competitive.
Cyborg De Sou can bounce back from a poor show last time – when he reportedly broke a blood vessel – in the Totescoop6 New Year Special Handicap Chase at Catterick.
Geoff Harker’s charge had previously shown he has a race in him at Market Rasen, while at Exeter it will be a surprise if Victor Dartnall’s Lodge Lane is beaten in the Thurlestone Holte “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.
Winthorpe has hit the target three times at Southwell and holds excellent prospects of making it four in the Book Now @ Pontins.com Handicap.
John Quinn’s charge was well-fancied when winning over course and distance last month and ran well enough either side of that success to warrant further support this afternoon.
Although the handicapper raised him 7lb for slamming Blakeshall Quest by four lengths on his penultimate start, Winthorpe has won off a higher mark here in the past and is worthy of the utmost respect.
