1.50 Warwick: the one race you can't afford to miss on Friday

1.50 Warwick
Use The Racingtv.com Tracker Novices' Chase | 2m | 4yo+ | RTV

Why is it interesting?

A competitive novice chase that proved an invaluable starting point over fences for subsequent Grade 1 winner Kalashnikov last year.

The market for this year's renewal is headed by Thomas Darby, who will be partnered by champion jockey Richard Johnson on his first start since finishing second to Klassical Dream in last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

He was pulled out of a possible engagement at Uttoxeter last Friday due to unsuitable ground alongside stablemate Mon Port, who will be partnered by conditional rider Fergus Gregory.

Thomas Darby's chief market rival is Maire Banrigh, who has won her last three starts for Dan and Harry Skelton, including her chasing debut at Stratford four weeks ago.

What do the stats say?

Dan Skelton, the leading trainer at the track, has a 24 per cent strike-rate at Warwick over the last five seasons and won this race in 2015 with Willow's Saviour.

Three of the last five winners of this contest had already made their seasonal reappearance before lining up.

Maire Banrigh has the best record over this trip with three victories from four starts, followed by Thomas Darby with three wins from six.

What do the trainers say?

Olly Murphy, trainer of Thomas Darby and Mon Port
We're looking forward to getting Thomas Darby over fences. He's in good form and has schooled well. It looks like a nice start for him. He did me proud last season and he'll come on for the run – we're just hoping for a clear round. Mon Port got a fright at Sedgefield so we're looking to get his confidence back.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Maire Banrigh
She's been in great form since winning comfortably under a big weight at Stratford on her seasonal debut. She's a really exciting mare over fences. She faces a tough task against Thomas Darby but we've got to get her out there.

Maire Banrigh: has won her last three starts for trainer Dan SkeltonCredit: Grossick Racing (racingpost.com/photos)

Nick Gifford, trainer of Belargus
All the novice chases are competitive this time of year but we have to start somewhere. We just want a nice clean round of jumping. We've got a lot to find on ratings, even with the weight allowance, but jumping fences is a great leveller. He's got the size and scope to be a better chaser than hurdler and his jumping has been neat and tidy at home. I just hope he settles as he can be a bit buzzy.

What do our tipsters say?

Last season's Supreme Novices' runner-up Thomas Darby looks a very exciting recruit to chasing but bold front-runner Maire Banrigh comes here match-fit after an impressive win in lower-grade company last month, and Harry Skelton will presumably be keen to ensure her main rival is given and thorough jumping examination.
Chris Wilson

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