Timeform: The race to watch

Race To Watch / Timeform / 15 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Nine runners went to post for the 3.35 mares novices' chase at Newbury on Wednesday, a race that looks likely to throw up future winners, says Timeform.

Success went to Jaunty Flight, who has a progressive profile; having improved 44 lb over hurdles on Timeform ratings last season. She jumped fluently in the main and found plenty to wear down the long time leader after the last. A stiffer test of stamina should see her in even better light and she should do better.

Fit To Drive showed improved form under a penalty to finish two lengths second to Jaunty Flight. She raced and jumped with zest in the lead and stuck to her task well once headed on the run-in. With her stamina now proven over three miles she may find further opportunities at three miles.

Phardessa wasn't disgraced in this stronger contest and gave the impression she may be found an opening with her sights lowered.

Fourth-placed Arctic Magic was let down by jumping on her second start over fences and was never really dangerous after a couple of mid-race errors. She remains likely to build on the form of her Exeter second if ironing out her jumping flaws.

Brendan Powell's Kerriemuir Lass looks the type to do better in handicaps, her stamina possibly stretched by the testing conditions.

Pyleigh Lady was well backed and was still to be asked for her effort when falling four out. She clearly retains her hurdling ability and may prove capable of better.