Timeform Race Of The Day: Friday 2nd January, Folkestone 2.35, The S G Fencing Beginners' Chase (4)

Race of the Day Preview / Editor / 01 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

This twenty five furlong contest sees eight go to post, with several of the field making their chasing debuts. Timeform talk us through the runners...

Philip Hobbs fields two with Bluegun the choice of stable jockey Richard Johnson. He made a successful hurdling debut when beating Adroit Approach four and a half lengths in a maiden at Uttoxeter in April before again showing fairly useful form when second to Great Endeavour in a novice there six months later. One concern is that he shaped as though his stamina was stretched when contesting a valuable event over three miles at Haydock last time.

Hobbs' other runner, Tamadot also makes his chasing debut. He showed useful form on his most recent run over hurdles when a half length runner-up to Maktu at Chepstow. He stays three miles and should give a good account.

Henessy finished four lengths second to Over The Creek on his completed start over fences. He showed more than enough that day to suggest he's up to winning in this sphere, jumping soundly and not subjected to a hard ride when his chance had gone. He should improve.

Charlie Mann's Fair Point arrives off the back of a fourth place in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Sandown last time. He has raced solely on soft ground and was successful twice in Irish Points in 2007.

Mizen Razen is another to make his chasing debut, having shown fair form in eight starts over hurdles this season, leaving Mrs A. Thorpe prior to his latest outing. He has raced mostly on good/good to firm going.

Both Mendo and Push The Port have a bit to prove at present, the former having fallen on his chasing debut last term and run well below form both outings this season. Push the Port was never dangerous on his chasing debut whilst Spin The Gin was well held in a maiden at Folkestone two weeks ago.