Timeform Daily: Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Novices' Chase (Class 3), Huntingdon, 3.10

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 20 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Despite over-subscription in many National Hunt races of late as a result of the recent cold snap this novices' chase has attracted just five runners, though it is by far the most attractive race on the Huntingdon card, says Timeform.

Massini's Maguire already has useful Grade 1 form over fences having finished second to Breedsbreeze in the Feltham Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Massini's Maguire didn't impress with his jumping at Kempton, along with fellow front-runner Shining Gale who ultimately fell, and he did well to finish just five lengths behind Paul Nicholls' gelding, with a further twelve lengths separating him and third-placed Hold Em.

Massini's Maguire remains capable of better over fences and there is no reason why he cannot prove as good over the larger obstacles as he was over hurdles, in which sphere he was a Grade 1 winner in the 2007 Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Massini's Maguire wasn't the best in this field over hurdles, however. That honour goes to Millennium Royal, who was very smart at his best in that sphere. He made his British chasing debut in the Feltham where he unseated Christophe Pieux before the race began in earnest. He had already won a Grade 2 chase at Enghien in October, showing useful form to beat Portal's Toy by a nose. Although undoubtedly talented, Millennium Royal isn't the most consistent sort and has a history of finding little for pressure.

One who is more reliable is West End Rocker, who proved himself better over fences than hurdles at the first time of asking at Chepstow in October when he split Wichita Lineman and Big Fella Thanks in a tactical affair, third-placed Big Fella Thanks only being beaten half a length by the winner after dictating a steady pace. That rival gained revenge over West End Rocker next time they met at Cheltenham, though it was in a battle for second behind ready winner Ballyfitz, neither of the pair reproducing their Chepstow form. West End Rocker has something to find on the main challengers here based on form, and would appreciate a good test of stamina.

Both Killyglen and Sound Accord have a lot to find at the weights. The former made a promising chase debut when beating Tot O' Whiskey by half a length at Carlisle, jumping and travelling soundly. He is likely to improve and is one who should win more events like this, though he faces a tough ask against some good-quality rivals here. Sound Accord was a useful hurdler who got off the mark over fences at the third time of asking at Fontwell last month. There is every reason to suggest that he can be as good a chaser, though that would still leave him some way behind the main two protagonists on form.