Silviniano Conti has been the most impressive staying chaser of the season IMO. He has beaten Long Run fair and square, jumps brilliantly and he stays. The big concern of course is the lack of form around Cheltenham. A very interesting contender. I will take him on when it comes to my Gold Cup betting but I liked him ever since his debut chase behind Cue Card at Chepstow last year.
Lovely performance. I thought the Neptune was this fella's target...would 2m on gd/sft be a little sharp against the proven speedsters?
His target has always been the Supreme Dex and cant see them changing that now, he has plenty of pace.
Yeah..he quickened up well at HQ a few runs back off a slow pace to beat a decent field...lovely prospect..any quotes for the Supreme? These Festival novice events are shaping up nicely!
Blimey, old Bensalem returns in this next one at Exeter- hope he is fit and well Highland Lodge still holds Cheltenham entries- is that a bit fanciful of his team?
I reckon Bensalem is having a pipe-opener for the festival Toppy I'm on Harry Topper so expect Highland Lodge to bolt up
Thought I'd put the mockers on another one there for a moment 4-miler at the festival? And then the Grand National? Nice comeback run from Bensalem
The Jeremy Scott-trained Tolworth winner was cut by Paddy Power to 10-1 (from 16) for the William Hill Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Hills went 7-1 (from 16) for the Supreme and 8-1 (from 14) for the Neptune, for which BetVictor offer 12-1 (from 20). He looked a force to be reckoned with as he brushed aside the challenge of Puffin Billy with a punishing burst of pace after the final flight of hurdles. Jockey Nick Scholfield opted to track Oliver Sherwood's Puffin Billy through the early stages and as Leighton Aspell, riding the 4-5 favourite, went to pick up the lead down the back Scholfield continued stalking him every step of the way. Turning for home the pair had gone a long way clear of the rest but Aspell was unable to shake off the attentions of Melodic Rendezvous, and at the second last an erratic jump almost ended his partnership with Puffin Billy. The partnership survived intact but they were no match for Melodic Rendezvous, who shot several lengths clear on the run-in. Scott said: "Obviously that was a very pleasing performance and I would like to be thinking he is improving with each race. "As far as Cheltenham is concerned he is in the Supreme and the Neptune novice hurdles and we will be deciding closer to the time about which one he runs in, but it will be ground dependent."
Very easy win as expected for Harry Topper. Not sure he's going to the festival this year...didn't KB say he wouldn't be going to the festival before the 2014 CGC? Very progressive 'chaser.
Afternoon all Going for a small e/w on Bentley in the next at Southwell. Was in fine form there this time 2 years ago but I see he is returning from a 365 day absence which is a little off putting. Has a 7lb claimed on board which will help and I'm hoping he will sneak a place.
