Range set to come out on top
The five-year-old won a bumper at Ffos Las on his debut last spring and returned to Wales to make a winning start to his hurdling career in November.
He looked outclassed by Fingal Bay and company in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury next time and it was a little disappointing he could not get back on the winning trail at Sandown on his latest start.
However, an early mistake did him no favours that day and this looks another excellent opportunity.
Webberys Dream has obvious claims of securing his second victory over fences in the Magners Golden Draught Novices’ Chase at Exeter.
The nine-year-old showed little on his fencing introduction at Exeter in November, but he has since run three fine races at Wincanton.
He was second twice to two decent types in Duke Of Lucca and Rangitoto and he then slammed subsequent winner Doeslessthanme.
Webberys Dream is the highest-rated horse in this field and should take plenty of beating.
Silver Blaze was unlucky to end his juvenile year without success and he will be hard to beat on his three-year-old debut at Southwell.
The son of Haafhd may have been well beaten on his Newcastle debut in late August, but he took a giant step forward to be beaten just a nose at Redcar next time.
If that effort was not promising enough, he again filled the runner-up spot at Newcastle in a maiden which could hardly have worked out better.
The John Gosden-trained winner was making a winning debut and has not been seen since and Silver Blaze was beaten less than a length.
He pulled well clear of the remainder and the third and fourth both came out and won next time.
Given he has handled softer ground, Southwell’s artificial surface should not worry Silver Blaze and he looks a sound bet in the Membership of Southwell Golf Club Median Auction Maiden Stakes.
Bryan Smart’s Da’Quonde has started off the year in excellent form and rates the one to beat in the Mirror Punters Club Fillies’ Handicap.
The four-year-old has been kept busy through the winter, winning both here and at Wolverhampton.
She transferred to the turf at Redcar just over a week ago and once again struck gold without being seriously troubled.
Turned out under a penalty, connections will surely be disappointed if she cannot follow up in what is only an ordinary heat.
