PartialLogo
Previews

Stamina and jumping look the key to success in Reynoldstown

Sevarano (right): question mark about his stamina for three miles
Sevarano (right): question mark about his stamina for three milesCredit: Michael Steele

1.50 Ascot
Bateaux London Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (Grade 2) | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV/Sky

Stamina has been the key to success in this Grade 2 novice chase in recent years. Eight of the last ten winners went into the race proven over at least 2m7f and many had won over further.

Sevarano sets the standard on Racing Post Ratings. He achieved an RPR of 150 when scoring by a wide margin at Exeter in December, but that was over 2m3f and he has yet to win over further than 2m4½f. Will he have the required staying power for this test over three miles?

He didn't finish that strongly when fourth in a 2m6½f handicap at Newbury last time where Brendan Powell reported Sevarano lost his confidence after slipping when jumping the first.

Jonathan Burke replaces Powell in the saddle here, but Sevarano has lots of questions to answer for one who is likely to be towards the head of the market. There is a good chance he might drift.

Stamina won't be a problem for Full Back, who powered clear when winning over this distance at Exeter last month having previously scored over a furlong and a half further at Plumpton.

Jumping might be a worry for him though. He went to his left at several of his fences at right-handed Exeter last time and will need to cut that out if he is to score in better company.

Trainer Gary Moore rarely overfaces his runners and often runs his better horses at Ascot. Since 2011, Moore has saddled four winners from 16 runners in Graded chases at the track.

Hurricane Harvey brings the proven Graded novice form to the table. He was second to Ga Law in a Grade 2 at Wincanton in November and scored in this class at Doncaster last time.

He proved well suited by the step up to this trip on that occasion, but is another who looked shaky in the jumping department and a 5lb penalty for that success will make life tougher.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway


Sevarano out to justify trainer's faith

Oliver Sherwood knows a good staying chaser when he sees one, and the Lambourn trainer has always held Sevarano in high esteem.

Many Clouds' trainer won the Reynoldstown 22 years ago with Lord Of The River, and the market suggests he has every chance of winning it again with Sevarano, who graduates to Graded company over fences for the first time.

It does not look a vintage Reynoldstown and Sevarano, who has won two of his three starts since sent chasing this term, is top-rated on official figures.

Sherwood said: "He's been very good over fences this season. He slipped at the first last time at Newbury which unnerved him – he couldn't get into any sort of rhythm that day.

"He's a big, strong boy and has won over hurdles on the type of ground he will encounter at Ascot.

"I think he's got every chance. Now is the right time to step him up to three miles. I'm certain he'll get the trip – he's a very relaxed horse – and I'm very happy with him."

A major Saturday success would certainly get Sherwood's season back on track after a frustrating six-week spell without a winner.

However, he went close twice this week with A Time To Shine (Hereford) and Weststreet (Fontwell) – both in staying chases – and an end to that lean run is surely in sight.

WARWICK, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Oliver Sherwood poses at Warwick racecourse on February 23, 2018 in Warwick, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Oliver Sherwood: saddles SevaranoCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

What they say

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Hurricane Harvey
The race has cut up a bit. He's in good form but has the 5lb penalty to overcome. He deserves to take his chance.

Kerry Lee, trainer of Demachine
He's won over the course and distance and has a good rapport with Richard Patrick. It's an open race judged on the betting. He's in as good a shape as I can possibly get him in. I'm currently very happy with him. It's a big step up in class, but this will be only the eighth race of his career and it's still early days. It's an opportunity to find out what we've got.

Gary Moore, trainer of Full Back
He's done nothing wrong so far, it was the obvious race to run him in. He's only a couple of pounds wrong with Sevarano and the rest of them are about the same really. There's not a real standout in there.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Kalooki
His jumping was disappointing last time and we've done plenty of schooling with him since. He jumps well at home and if he transfers that to the racecourse then he'd have a good chance.

David Pipe, trainer of Remastered
He's done nothing wrong over fences and, although he has a bit to find on official figures, he'll enjoy conditions and should run his race.
Reporting by Richard Birch


Read more of Saturday's previews

Saint or sinner: which Cyrname will turn up at Ascot this time? (Members’ Club)

Grand National clues everywhere, although not where you might look first (Members’ Club)

2.05 Haydock: Itchy Feet 'the one to beat' as Murphy's star steps up in trip in Rendlesham

2.25 Ascot: Regal Encore and Sub Lieutenant among veterans aiming for one last hurrah

2.40 Haydock: National Trial sure to be tough going as course specialists do battle in the mud

3.18 Wincanton: Can Song For Someone lay claim to being the best hurdler in Britain?

3.35 Ascot: Master Tommytucker expected to make things difficult for unpredictable Cyrname

Ascot Chase: how to solve the great Cyrname conundrum (Members’ Club)


Did you know you can bet with your online bookmaker without leaving the Racing Post app? Simply sign in to your existing bookmaker account via the accounts button and tap the odds buttons on a racecard to place bets. Update or download the latest app here


Graeme RodwayDeputy betting editor

Published on 19 February 2021inPreviews

Last updated 18:21, 19 February 2021

iconCopy