Bolster can call time on Rupert
Because of his low completion rate over fences the ceiling of his ability has not yet been reached.
On the other hand, Time For Rupert may not have benefited from being thrown in against the likes of Long Run and Kauto Star at Haydock.
Backing The Giant Bolster is admittedly a risk, but that will be factored into his price.
David Bridgwater’s stable-star showed smart form as a hurdler and was only beaten seven lengths by Peddlers Cross at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival.
Last season, when he stood up, he showed he was capable of mixing it at a high level and his return over hurdles put him in a good light.
Having unseated Tom Scudamore at the first in the Paddy Power, he then ran a cracker in the Hennessy to finish seventh over a trip that stretched his stamina, suggesting there is still more to come from him.
Alan King has never hidden the regard in which he holds Montbazon, who starts his new career in the First Great Western Maiden Hurdle.
He won a valuable bumper at Doncaster last season either side of being beaten by Cheltenian (subsequent Cheltenham winner) and Steps To Freedom (favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle).
King was surprised he could manage only third first time out this term but his string have improved hugely for a run this season.
Stablemate Ardlui can be expected to improve greatly from his debut, when he was well backed, in the Blackmore Building Juvenile Hurdle.
Rated 87 on the level, he should be an above-average recruit.
Nicky Henderson’s Skint was last seen holding on to land a valuable handicap over hurdles at Sandown and should be up to winning the Direct Mortgages Novices’ Chase at Bangor.
He has the size and scope to make a nice chaser but it is unlikely he is one the leading lights in a stable packed full of potential stars.
Gabbiano can go one better than on his debut in the Free Entry For Betdaq Members Median Auction Maiden Stakes at Kempton.
Jeremy Gask’s youngster was well backed first time up at the Sunbury venue, but ran green before staying on in eyecatching fashion to claim second.
He was well backed that day so had obviously been showing up well at home for the Australian-born handler and only a horse who had finished second in his first two races was able to beat him.
Given nominal improvement from first race to second, the Zafeen gelding should take all of the beating – especially as none of the newcomers are from stables renowned at readying one first time.
Lingfield’s card is hard to get excited about, but John Gosden’s debutante Blaugrana is worth a close look in the market for the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes
She is a half-sister to Invincible Spirit, a smart sprinter who has gone on to prove himself as an outstanding sire with the likes of Fleeting Spirit and Moonlight Cloud on his record.
If this filly carries half as much ability as either of those two, this race will be a formality.
