Oberlin to pounce for Johnston
Oberlin has been knocking on the door this year but his time can finally come in the Enjoy Easter Pontin’s Maiden Stakes at Southwell.
Mark Johnston’s runner is bred to be a Classic winner, being out of Oaks victor Balanchine, but he has so far failed to reach anywhere near those dizzy heights.
However, Oberlin showed flashes of ability when second at Lingfield in January before returning to finish third there earlier in the month.
He bumped into something of an all-weather star on that occasion, though, with winner Rapidity now boasting four victories to his name and rising up the ladder as quickly as his name suggests.
Oberlin is obviously not quite of that calibre but following some favourable gallops reports, his turn must surely be near.
Exit To Luck can shrug off a 6lb penalty and secure a course double in the Go Book Pontin’s Today Handicap.
The ex-German gelding was a surprise winner earlier in February, appearing to benefit from the re-application of blinkers when emerging a one-length winner of a moderate handicap.
He picked up well that day and having won a shade comfortably, Exit To Luck could still have plenty to give.
Rio L’Oren found her path blocked at a crucial stage last time out but given better luck, she should be on the mark in the Visit pontins.com For Great Deals Maiden Stakes.
The Captain Rio filly stay on well at Wolverhampton that day after having her run checked and a return to Dunstall Park can yield more success this time.
Pur De Sivola made quite an impression when winning last month and he can follow up at Sandown en-route to the Cheltenham Festival.
Alan King has identified the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase as a likely target at the big event, but tomorrow’s Durkan Group Novices’ Chase provides a nice stepping-stone.
The five-year-old absolutely breezed home by 14 lengths from Gentle John at Wincanton, although the form is a little hard to assess given the quick early pace caught out many of his rivals.
Previously Pur De Sivola had claimed second in a Grade Two contest and a repeat performance should be good enough here.
Vinmix De Bessy is obviously in fine heart at present and he can continue to make hay in the Devine IAC Handicap Chase.
Gary Moore is hoping to tackle the Grand Annual with this one and he has certainly advertised his credentials in recent weeks.
After snapping a losing stretch at Ludlow in December, Vinmix De Bessy followed up when bounding away with a fair event over tomorrow’s course and distance at the start of February.
Vinmix De Bessy is clearly on the upgrade and one to stay on the right side of.
Metaphoric can take full advantage of the quicker conditions in Warwick’s TurfTV Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle.
This one-time Derby hope looked a promising recruit to the jumping ranks when second on his bow at Huntingdon but he failed to show any of that sparkle when a well-beaten fourth at Ascot.
The testing ground may well have been against Michael Bell’s charge, though, and back on good going, Metaphoric can get back on track.
