Tom Collins believes well-treated chasers can come up trumps in tricky affair
3.55 Ffos Las
Phil Bessant Limited Chartered Management Accounts Handicap Chase | 3m | 5yo+ | SKY
Consistency isn't the name of the game for the majority of runners in this 0-110 chase, so pinpointing the winner will need a certain degree of luck.
The best place to start is with topweight Cavok, an unexposed mare trained by Ben Pauling, who hasn't had the best season but is striking at 19 per cent in the last two weeks.
She's a scopey sort, has had just six runs and would hold clear claims on form had she not backed out of a Chepstow contest last time.
Cavok never travelled that day and was disappointing, but her previous victory at Uttoxeter showed she handled testing ground and a big weight, and a return to that form in first-time cheekpieces would give her a chance.
Another in good recent form is Chris Gordon's Pres, who is by far the youngest runner in this field and also has a relatively attractive profile. He looks a deserving clear market leader.
He perhaps should have won last time out at Newbury before being collared late on and will go up 5lb in future. Anything but a victory will be slightly disappointing.
Several can be considered well handicapped, most notably Cruising Bye and Misty Mai, but they look to be on a downward spiral, while Lac Sacre and Heavenly Promise would need career-bests off their marks.
Finally, it could be worth watching market moves for Blazing Tom. Christian Williams runners always warrant respect at the trainer’s local track.
Tom Collins
What the stats say
Robert Stephens, trainer of Hedgeinator, has a 50 per cent strike-rate in the last fortnight.
What the trainers say
Ben Pauling, trainer of Cavok
She has top weight but is a big girl and can handle plenty of weight. She won well at Uttoxeter but then ran no race at Chepstow. She'll love the ground.
John Flint, trainer of Lac Sacre
He's a cagey character and it depends what mood he's in, but if he puts his best foot forward he could run a decent race as he likes the track.
Robert Stephens, trainer of Hedgeinator
He's been off for over a year, so is entitled to come on for it, but he has gone well fresh in the past. He'll like the ground and has pleased at home.
Evan Williams, trainer of Still Believing
She's been a gem for us over the years and it won't be long before she's off having babies. She had a hard race last time and took a while to get over it, but she's fine now and we'll roll the dice gain.
Chris Gordon, trainer of Pres
He's out a bit quick after running a good second at Newbury last weekend but he's due to go up 5lb for that, so we're hoping to make the most.
Henry Oliver, trainer of Nickname Exit
He'd been off for a while before his recent comeback and since which he's been dropped 4lb in the handicap. He'll handle the ground and has the top man on board in the shape of Richard Johnson.
David Milnes
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Published on 5 March 2020inPreviews
Last updated 19:41, 5 March 2020
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