Shantou Rock has solid prospects of bouncing back from odds-on defeat

Snowball
David Arbuthnot
4th, Warwick, November 10
Making his first appearance since May, this ten-year-old tanked along down the back straight on the final circuit in this 3m½f handicap chase. He raced with such enthusiasm that he moved through to lead at one stage when his jockey, conscious of conserving energy, applied the brakes and slotted in behind horses. However, when asked for maximum effort in the closing stages he failed to pick up. With a run under his belt he should have more to offer.
AdviceBack on next three starts

Shantou Rock
Dan Skelton
2nd, Warwick, November 10
It’s rare for this column to suggest following a horse who has been beaten at odds-on, but Shantou Rock’s jumping has been seriously impressive in his two chase starts. Given it’s likely he will be kept to novice chase company for now, his jumping will be a big asset and he should soon be going one better.
AdviceBack on next three starts

Louis’ Vac Pouch
Philip Hobbs
Won, Aintree, November 11
This hurdler’s career is progressing well; this was his fourth win in six starts. The betting suggested he would improve from his promising return at Chepstow and, sent off 5-2 favourite and stepping up in distance to 3m½f for the first time in this Pertemps qualifier, he proved extremely well treated, comfortably defying a mark of 132. His revised rating should be high enough to ensure making the final.
AdviceFollow for remainder of season