A brief look at the win record Coole River (15:00 Fakenham) possesses over fences would lead you to question the wisdom in selecting him. As ever though, inspecting a bit more closely is advised. The fact is that Coole River is really getting his act together over fences now and he's just probably been in need of the drop in trip he receives here. Strong travelling was the main hallmark of his success over a trip just shy of three miles at Taunton in November and a failure to see things out is what has kept him from reproducing quite the same level of form since. Here Coole River drops back to 21 furlongs, the sort of trip that should suit him best; indeed, his effort over the distance at Wincanton on his chasing debut remains a career-best. In a tricky contest, Coole River gets the nomination with Tony Dinozzo for one likely to keep him from favouritism.
We make a flying visit to Nottingham for their useful five-furlong handicap at 15:45. Though we're not expecting Foxy Forever's eye-catching effort at Newmarket last time to be overlooked by those pricing up, it bears emphasising that he looked a sprinter with more to come that day. He was set too much to do for a start, and to compound matters was badly hampered over a furlong out. That Foxy Forever could finish just half a length away from the winner in spite of it all suggests that a mark 3 lb higher gives him plenty of opportunity to make amends. In the wider scheme, this will also mark just a fifth career start for Foxy Forever, who could find himself in top handicaps or even listed races by the time the summer is out, such is the way he seems to be going.
We're back at Fakenham for our final bet. The question is: do you have faith in Dan Skelton's abilities as a trainer? If the answer is yes- and quite frankly it should be- then Woodbank becomes an obvious selection in the 16:00. Woodbank took a step forward for Skelton straight away even though he'd arrived from Nicky Henderson, winning at Huntingdon in the last days of 2013/4. Smooth travelling and sound jumping were the characteristics of that success and they're exactly the credentials that will help him cope with Fakenham's uniquely speed-favouring layout. With all his rivals likely to want a lead, Woodbank seems certain to get his own way in front. At Fakenham that's often enough when all other things are equal; in Woodbank's case it's not even that, if indeed you have faith in Skelton drawing more from this unexposed chaser.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Coole River in the 15:00 Fakenham
Back Foxy Forever in the 15:45 Nottingham
Back Woodbank in the 16:00 Fakenham
