8.15 Uttoxeter Ninfea 7/1 Described by her trainer David Bridgwater as "very talented" and seeing her as "really coming into her own over fences", there was an awful lot to like about Ninfea's chasing debut 33 days ago when she was sharing the lead when a mistake saw her nearly fall at 2 out against some potentially decent rivals and given that she's able to race here off her hurdles rating of 106 I think she could prove quite difficult to beat if that unsightly incident hasn't left its mark. 4 times a winner on the flat for Sylvester Kirk at a decent enough level, this 5 year old mare joined the Bridgwater team in early 2012 and after progressing in each of her first couple of starts she won at the 3rd time of asking in a Maiden Hurdle over 19f at Fontwell in a race that is working out quite well (not immediately). That race earned her an initial rating of 119 over hurdles but that mark immediately plummeted to 108 after disappointing when favourite over the same C+D later last April but you can put a line through that run as it was unsuitably soft ground. Having spent on the flat, Ninfea returned looked as if she needed the run when very weak in the market on the back of a 5 month absence in a handicap hurdle back in May. She clearly stripped a lot fitter on her chasing debut last month when acquitting herself excellently until a mishap at 2 out against some very decent hurdlers (fellow chasing debutants). Making most of the running over 2m4f under Tommy Phelan at Worcester. Having looked to be really enjoying her first start over fences, Ninfea jumped very well at most obstacles (got in tight at a few) and Tommy Phelan had just started getting after his mount approaching 2 out where she made a mistake, pretty much fell and unseated. She definitely would have finished in the top 2 in my opinion had she stayed on her feet but it was a highly encouraging debut over fences and she should have learnt a lot from that. Although it is not an exact science translating hurdling ability to chasing, the front 3 were all rated at least 19lb higher than Ninfea was over hurdles and it certainly suggests she looks better over fences than hurdles. Moreover, the 3rd home Brassick ran a fine race in defeat behind the useful Buachaill Alainn over fences subsequently which suggests it was a decent contest. Those two factors lead me to believe she looks well handicapped off a mark of 106 for her chasing debut and in what looks a moderate contest she could prove very difficult to beat. Tom Scudamore takes over in the plate tomorrow and I can see her trying to go from the front over the 2m trip where she gets her ideal quick ground. If none the worse for that ugly looking incident, I think Ninfea should prove very difficult to beat and it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if she sees quite a bit of money for the very likeable Bridgwater outfit.
Also 7.30 Silvio Dante looks the job for Southwell, dirt pedigree and Street Cry further back. Not bad trainer either, and has been nibbled since he opened at 14s.
Yesssssss! Phew! I was swearing at the tv! bloody hate queallys over exaggerated hold up tactics. Theres no need at all.
5.00 Pontefract Mansoreen 11/4 is too well bred not to back on debut. Full brother to treble Group 1 winning Manduro. Clearly not straight forward as not seen until 3 but if he's anywhere near his brother (won easily on debut) then he could prove way too good for his rivals.
