Whitenzo looks pure Gold
Whitenzo has hinted a return to top form could be imminent and makes plenty of appeal in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup Chase.
The Sandown feature for amateur riders often represents a good draw for trainers and punters alike and has been won by some decent sorts in the past, such as Gunner Welburn three years ago.
However, it is champion trainer Paul Nicholls who has consistently excelled in this extended three-mile contest, boasting three victories in the last four years.
Inca Trail’s success last year followed hot on the heels of none other than Whitenzo’s 12-length jaunt in 2005.
Whitenzo may have been down in the dumps for some time now but his run at Wincanton will give Nicholls considerable hope.
The 11-year-old travelled well in quite a competitive hunter chase earlier this month until a mistake two out cost him dearly.
A fourth-placed finish to the useful Sonevafushi was by no means a disgrace, however, and there should be more to come from him at the Esher track.
The former Kingmaker Chase winner, who also finished fourth in the Betfred Cup two years ago, may not be getting any younger.
That said, he competes off a reasonable mark this time around and should go well at a course that plays to his strengths.
Nicholls is also taken to saddle Le Passing to victory in the G4S Walter Wales Fox Hunters’ Chase (For The Walter Wales Cup) at Fakenham.
The eight-year-old has held his own against some lofty opponents over the years but looks to have found a niche in this division of racing.
Having finished in mid-division in the Topham on his final start of last season, Le Passing returned to the track with an adroit showing in a hunter chase at Fontwell earlier this month.
Tom Greenall’s mount could not have been more impressive when blitzing his rivals en route to a 21-length cakewalk from Gazump.
Anything similar should see him coast home in this extended two-mile-five-furlong affair.
Castlecomer has every chance of winning the ’Repeal Is The Real Deal’ Beginners’ Chase.
This six-year-old has shown enough on his two attempts over fences this year to warrant support here.
A third-placed finish to SunAlliance fancy Dom D’Orgeval on his chasing bow was followed up with a similarly pleasing performance at Leicester, when he filled the runner-up berth behind Back For The Craic at Leicester.
Albert Ennis’ winning pointer is clearly improving with his racing and needs to be monitored closely.
Michael Jarvis has his all-weather squad in rude health and Storybook can add another footnote to that progressive chapter in the pontinsbingo.com Handicap at Lingfield.
Unraced as a juvenile, the Halling filly made a winning debut over course and distance in January and is not likely to encounter too many problems in this one.
