Do like one tomorrow and it won’t surprise the regular readers to hear that it’s one that I’ve spoken about a fair bit of late. TIS FANTASTIC, for that is he, goes at Southwell (3.05)
This 4YO son of Montmartre had 3 runs in novice hurdles earlier in the year which, to use the technical term, can best be described as ‘nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more…’. These earned him a rating of 87 and on his handicap bow, in October, Tis Fantastic stepped up on these runs to finish runner-up at Chepstow (and some 13 lengths clear of the 3rd). That form has since been boosted and made to look very solid by the winner coming out and running a very good 2nd of 18 and the 3rd home (beaten a long way, don’t forget, at Chepstow) winning at Plumpton.
Tis Fantastic was raised 7 lbs by the handicapper after his October effort but that would not appear harsh when you consider (i) how far he was clear of the rest of the field (winner apart) and (ii) the way the form has been made to look solid since that day. I also think that Chepstow race, was in the main, a stronger heat as tomorrow opponents largely look either very, very exposed or handicapped to the bally hilt. Tis Fantastic, in contrast, looks the sort of horse who could be on the up and capable of easily outrunning, in time, his current perch.
Meanwhile, Tis Fantastic is also nicely bred as since 2016 his half-siblings, Customer and Polidara, have both won hurdles and chases across The Channel.
Good luck all.
