Novice chase delights: Summerville Boy, First Flow and Sam Spinner in action

On a day when Samcro starts out over fences in Ireland, there is plenty of excitement on the British novice chase scene with a sprinkling of high-ranking hurdlers aiming to put down markers for the season.

Summerville Boy takes on First Flow in a competitive Kalahari King Beginners' Chase (2.40) at Uttoxeter and Sam Spinner continues his education over fences at Wetherby (1.55).

The wet autumn has encouraged many a trainer to get going earlier than usual in the six-strong field for the Kalahari King, which also features the classy Western Ryder.

Summerville Boy, winner of the 2018 Supreme Novices' Hurdle, was a major force over hurdles and returns for his chase debut having had wind surgery.

Regarded as a Champion Hurdle prospect last season, he missed Cheltenham due to a hairline fracture, then failed to land a blow at Aintree or Punchestown.

Jockey Jonathan Burke, who won for trainer Tom George and owner Roger Brookhouse on another classy hurdler when Black Op got off the mark over fences at Stratford on Thursday, said: "He's been schooling well and we're looking forward to getting him started."

At Wetherby, Sam Spinner returns to the course having won his chase debut 16 days ago in a manner which prompted trainer Jedd O'Keeffe to say "he could be the complete chaser".

Winner of the 2017 Long Walk Hurdle and second to Paisley Park in last season's Stayers' Hurdle, Sam Spinner took time to find his jumping rhythm before coming home strongly over the shorter trip of 2m3½f.

"I was really pleased with his chase debut there last time and the step up to three miles is likely to be more up his street," said O'Keeffe.

"I would have preferred another week between races but there aren't many alternatives and he's proved he can jump round there. We're taking it race by race at the moment but the ultimate targets over fences are big ones."

Sam Spinner left Beakstown in his wake last time but it has not stopped Dan Skelton from having another crack with recent Chepstow winner Ardlethen.

"We'd prefer not to take on Sam Spinner again, but we're going to come up against him at some point, so we're happy to do so," said the trainer. "Make no mistake, my horse is a good horse. He won well at Chepstow and jumps nicely."

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