14:20 Warwick
Although there are only four runners this is an intriguing two miles novices' chase with three of the four runners rated in the 140's over hurdles.
Sleepy Haven had a run of duck eggs next to his name at the back end of last season but he was running in some high quality hurdles races then. He made his chasing debut last week at Huntingdon and was never really put into the race. I am sure Peter Carberry will be under instructions to keep him a lot closer to the pace today, and if he can stay with it then his proven stamina over longer trips may come into play.
Murrayana for Colin Tizzard was quite a lowly rated hurdler compared to his three rivals here today and although he was second on his first start chasing last month at Ludlow, he appeared very green over fences. he is sure to come on a lot for that performance but it is hard to see him improving enough, especially as he has to give weight to two of his rivals.
Nigel Twiston-Davies runs Bristol De Mai had just the four runs over hurdles, however they were all in exceptional company and he really looked the part. he won on his debut, beating Karezak by six lengths in the mud at Chepstow, therefore any further rain won't be a problem. He made his chasing debut last month at Uttoxeter, beaten only by the ultra impressive Garde La Victoire, who subsequently won the Arkle Trial at Cheltenham last weekend. That race at uttoxeter will have put him spot on for this and I think he is very difficult to go against.
Karezak for Alan King was a very useful hurdler who was rated 147 at his best. He makes his chasing debut today after already having a couple of runs over hurdles this season. He finished second in both of those races and looked good. He has raced a lot more than Bristol De Mai despite them both being four year olds, therefore I think Bristol De Mai has a lot more room for improvement and expect him to go on to make a really exciting chaser.
Today's Selections
Warwick 14:20 - Bristol De Mai - 3 points @ 8/11