Tipstar champion Dan Overall marks your card for the action at Warwick as he bids to land the Tote Placepot. Watch every race live on Racing TV, or Racing TV Exta.
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Leg 1
Lucinda Russell’s new recruit is getting accustom to British field sizes, as he’s set to line up against just one rival here having faced two on his debut for the yard.
He’s an interesting type and I suspect he will win races for his new yard down the line, but clear preference is for Etalon who beat experienced handicappers comfortably on his chase debut. Connections had mined him in his first two seasons under rules with a view to chasing, and despite starting the season from a mark of 120, it had been hoped he could make up into a graded novice chaser. There should be a great deal more to come from Etalon, and I’m excited about his future.
Selection: Etalon.
Leg 2
Donnacha has been progressive this season and Nigel Hawke looks to have found a winnable opportunity for him.
A winner at Chepstow in what was admittedly a weak race, he took a step forward when chasing home Impose Toi at the November meeting; while he was no match for Nicky Henderson’s Lanzarote hopeful, he was ludicrously well handicapped off 121 and not much stood a chance, in hindsight. He confirmed the promise of that run when a close third in December in a competitive 0-140.
He drops markedly in class here to a 0-120, and the consistency he’s shown this term should mean he isn’t far away.
Selection: Donnacha.
Leg 3
Diamond Ri came into this season as many people’s “dark horse” with a view to being a graded novice hurdler.
And while he was a touch disappointing on his hurdling debut, it was a good race and he looked novicey. The winner, Insurrection, is now rated 132, and Asta La Pasta, who was a distance back in third, is now rated 120.
A repeat of that performance should at least see Diamond Ri hit the frame here, but given improvement is likely, I suspect he’ll be hard to beat.
Selection: Diamond Ri.
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Leg 4
Just eight runners for this Pertemps Qualifer; another rather disappointing turnout in a season that has been littered with below-par qualifying races.
Preference is for Mel Monroe, who is completely unexposed at this trip but is bred to get it; her dam is a half-sister to Abolitionist and Aksana, both of who won over three miles. Her novice form reads well having finished second to Encanto Bruno at Cheltenham, and Croke Park in the Grade Three Monksfield Novice Hurdle.
Qualification will be the main aim, and while fourth will satisfy connections, I suspect she’ll be hard to keep out of the frame, with many of her rivals being out of form or having plenty to prove.
Selection: Mel Monroe.
Leg 5
While there’s only five runners, this is a quality race.
I suspect Grey Dawning will prefer being back on a flat track, although his tendency to take chances at his fences could be an issue here. Apple Away is getting plenty of weight and has plenty of potential over fences, but I prefer Broadway Boy here.
I’ve made no secret of my love for this horse, who has impressed me immensely since going over fences. Ground versatile, his attitude is unquestionable and he has ability to match. His victory in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham when last seen typified those attributes, as he rallied from three consecutive jumping errors that would’ve ended the winning chance of most other horses.
He will go from the front and will pose questions of his rivals. I’m hopeful that he will be a major player for the Brown Advisory in March.
Selection: Broadway Boy.
Leg 6
A competitive race, but Gavin Cromwell has enjoyed abundant success in Britain this season, particularly in staying handicap chases, and Malina Girl is capable of giving him another big victory here.
A mare on a steep-upward curve, her victory at Cheltenham in November was very impressive, staying on strongly to beat a good field easily. Last seen back at Cheltenham in December, she was travelling ominously well when falling at the third last behind the aforementioned Broadway Boy. If that fall hasn’t left a mark, there’s every reason to expect a big run here.
Some may be concerned about a mare carrying top weight, but rising star of the conditional ranks, Conor Stone-Walsh, takes off five pounds, which will be a big help.
Selection: Malina Girl.