'He's really got a good chance' - Hobson's high hopes for Family Business

Monday: 2.55 StratfordBobby Brown Retiral Handicap Chase | 2m6½f | 5yo+ | RTV

Esprit De Somoza arguably sets the standard on his last-time-out Taunton second to Some Detail, but could prove vulnerable to a less-exposed rival.

The Jane Williams-trained chaser made a bold bid that day, merely outstayed near the finish over 2m7f. Stratford's sharp track and slightly shorter trip should play to Esprit De Somoza’s strengths, but a 3lb rise dampens enthusiasm in his chance.

Conversely, Corran Cross, victorious in one of his five starts over fences, should relish the step up to 2m6½f. He was keeping on nicely when falling two out over 2m4f at Wincanton on Boxing Day, and races off a 1lb lower mark this time.

Oscar Montel returns from a winter break on a mark of 122, just 2lb higher than when last successful at Worcester in July under Brian Hughes, who also rides here. However, the gelding’s usual blinkers have been left off on this occasion.

If you put a line through last month's run of Family Business it's easy to make a strong case for the five-year-old. He made a great start to his British career when landing a Class 3 Leicester handicap chase the previous month and is only 3lb higher this time in a weaker race.

The market could provide the best guide to the chance of the ex-Willie Mullins-trained Fly Smart, who has undergone wind surgery ahead of his chasing debut, after an underwhelming first run for Venetia Williams over hurdles at Wetherby.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

What they say

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Oscar Montel
This is the start of his season and he'll go on now through the summer. He'll probably improve for the run but we've got to start somewhere. The ground is good for him, and we'll see where we go from here.

Richard Bandey, trainer of Corran Cross
He pecked on landing last time and had a soft fall but was running a lovely race up until that point, so I think he would have gone pretty close. He schooled brilliantly afterwards but I've just backed off him as he didn't want the winter ground. It'll be good to get him back as he's in good form, so we're excited to see him out there.

Jane Williams, trainer of Esprit De Somoza
We're very happy with him and he seems at the top of his game right now. He was going to win last time but a well-timed horse came flying past him and nabbed him on the line, he didn't have time to respond. The cheekpieces might sharpen him up a little but we're positive about him and he's got every chance.

Richard Hobson, trainer of Family Business
We're happy that the weights have been compressed because I'm not sure he's at the stage in his career to carry those top weights, but he's also got Lilly Pinchin's 5lb claim and this distance is right up his street, so I hope he'll run a big race. He didn't get his ground last time and the race wasn't run to suit but now he's really got a good chance.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Fly Smart
He's well at home and this is his first run back since wind surgery in December. It's also his first run over fences, so we're hoping that we might see him in a better light.
Reporting by Catherine Macrae

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