Events / Wayne Bailey / 14 April 2009 /

Wayne Bailey takes a look at some leading contenders for the 2009 renewal...

Chief Dan George
Paddy Aspell takes the reins once again, and he gave the horse a great ride when winning the John Smith's Novices' Chase last-time-out at Kelso. The horse was prone to mistakes over fences in the past, but judging by the Kelso display he's now put those problems behind him. All credit to James Moffatt who is obviously doing some great work with the nine-year-old at home and he's definitely in with a chance. All that said, [8.6] seems a little short in a tricky handicap such as this - and I've left an order in for [12.0] which I'll admit is very optimistic at this stage.

Nine De Sivola
Ferdy Murphy is a shrewdie when it comes to the big handicaps and has won this race three times from just ten runners in the past decade. Nine De Sivola is his only entry in 2009 and therefore commands some serious respect. He ran a great race when third to Tricky Trickster at Cheltenham and it looks like the knee ligament problems that dogged him for a season are a thing of the past. Murphy gave an upbeat report about his eight-year-old over the weekend and I believe he's worth a few shekels at any price above [11.0]: "He is really well and I couldn't be happier with him. He's come back nicely from injury and he was really rattling at the finish at Cheltenham."

Tricky Trickster
He may be only six years of age but in fairness, novices have done well in this race and [10.0] is good value based on some terrific performances this season. He'll be carrying 10st 12lbs but I'm still expecting a bold display off that weight. He's a good jumper and has taken to the fences very well having previously clocked up a couple of places over sticks. I stuck him in my notebook after a fine win in the Coolmation Novices´ Chase at Newbury just before Christmas, and I believe that we'll hear a lot more about the Twiston-Davies trained gelding over the next year or two.

West End Rocker
Alan King's seven-year-old is rarely out of the frame and may nab one of the places. He's the type that likes to race prominently so to run well, it's important that he gets into position early and doesn't get crowded by the other runners. One of his best performances was on his chasing debut when coming second to the ill-fated Wichita Lineman (killed in the Irish Grand National), with Big Fella Thanks coming third. He hasn't done too much wrong since and the noises from the yard are all positive. I'm taking a cautious approach however and backing him to place at [3.1] as he can get lazy at times - something he won't get away with in a big-field competitive handicap.

Merigo
He's got a couple of Ayr wins under the belt which should stand to him and 9st 10lbs seems quite fair all considered. Once again, it's his price that puts me off and [14.0] is a bit on the short side for a horse that's not guaranteed to run. His trainer Andrew Parker has advised punters to be cautious and a decision will be made later in the week based on the going: "It just depends on the ground whether he'll definitely run or not. It's got to be safe ground for him. He's a spring horse so he comes to hand this time of year. He won at this meeting last year on ground which was just a shade on the fast side for him and we wouldn't want to take a chance on that again."

Russian Trigger
There's been a few quid coming in for this seven-year-old on Betfair in recent days and he's now pushed in to [14.5] from [18.0]. He's definitely a stayer, but his jumping isn't always fluid which worries me a little and I'd rather take a watching brief this time.

Advice:
* Back Nine De Sivola at [11.0] or higher
* Leave a back order for Chief Dan George at [12.0]
* Back Tricky Trickster at [10.0] or higher
* Back West End Rocker in the place market at [3.1] or higher

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: