REBECCA Curtis knows a thing or two about staying chasers. Teaforthree has been an excellent standard bearer in the past 18 months, hitting the crossbar in both the Grand National and the Welsh equivalent. In BOYFROMNOWHERE she has another upwardly mobile young stayer who could end up scaling similar heights to his stablemate. If the seven-year-old can dispose of his rivals in Saturday’s Betfred Classic Chase at Warwick, then he may just come into the reckoning for Aintree in April, although the 4m National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival might be a more suitable target.
After two promising runs over fences, Boyfromnowhere came good when upped in trip in the Southern National at Fontwell in November. What really caught the eye was his jumping. He was bold and brave, and seemed to relish the challenge. This is only his fourth run over fences but he has a similar profile to Godsmejudge, who as a novice was chinned on the line in this race last season. The useful Pat Corbett takes the ride.
My other big fancy on Saturday is BYGONES SOVEREIGN (2.25 Warwick). He won well at Ascot last time and despite a 7lb rise the useful Kieron Edgar claims 7lb off him. He has a great chance of following up.
Saturday’s other fancies:
Goodwood Mirage (11.55 Kempton): Despite the Jonjo O’Neill team going through a lean period (1 winner from last 34 runners), this recruit from the flat could make a winning debut. He had solid form on the level, handled the soft and stayed well.
Minella On Line (1.00 Kempton): AP McCoy could enjoy a decent day and this staying novice caught the eye at Chepstow last time, where he stuck to his task well behind Deputy Dan. There will be a premium on stamina in today’s conditions which will suit.
Prince Siegfried (1.35 Kempton): The rescheduled Tolworth Hurdle has real quality. Denis O’Regan singled out Prince Siegfried as a horse who really excited him in a recent Racing Post interview and the hint should be taken.
Champion Court (2.10 Kemp): No horse deserves a nice prize more than this chap and this looks a good opportunity. AP McCoy takes the ride.. mind you, the only other time he rode him he fell off him at Perth.
Home Run (2.40 Kemp): Travelled like a dream last time at Sandown and only Saphir Du Rheu was too strong. He reopposes here on better terms and if Tom Bellamy can deliver him at the right moment he looks good value at about 10/1.
