16:05 Doncaster
This is a nice looking novices' chase with three of the six runners represented by big yards and with the prospect of good chasing careers ahead of them.
Blue Fashion for Nicky Henderson was rated 152 over hurdles and got to within four lengths of Faugheen at Ascot before being upped in distance and not quite being able to go the pace at grade one level at Cheltenham and Aintree in the spring. He was however extremely disappointing on his chasing debut at Ascot in December. It was a decent race but he was getting weight from all of his rivals and he was quickly outclassed. The drop back down to two miles and three furlongs looks sure to help and with the ease in class he could still be a player here today.
Nexius, trained by Paul Nicholls, was a decent hurdler as well finishing with a rating of 144 and he too also made a pretty lacklustre chasing bow in October at Bangor. He was quite well fancied that day but made a mistake when things were hotting up and that put paid to any chance he had. The fact that he hasn't raced since is a worry but one would assume that he has to be better than his previous race so any support in the market could be telling.
Hollywoodien won a good looking race on his chasing debut over two miles even though he made a bad mistake causing his jockey to lose the reins briefly, however he was good enough to come back and win so has a chance here even with having to carry an extra three pounds due to that win.
Pine Creek for John Ferguson has had two second places on his two chase starts to date, with his last race an impressive run to get to within two lengths of Volnay De Thaix who was rated 158 over hurdles. He may even have won that race with a good jump at the last and a repeat of anything like that form could be good enough to win this race today. He should have learnt a lot from that run and comes back for another try and the same track and trip under near identical conditions. He looks a big player to me and I think he will take some beating.
Today's Selections
Doncaster 16:05 - Pine Creek 2 points & 5/4 (Betfair Sportsbook)