Williams expects Ballinsker to go well - as long as the jockey stays on board
1.00 Southwell
Best Odds Guaranteed at Vickers.Bet Handicap Chase | 2m4½f | 4yo+ | Sky
Venetia Williams' horses have turned a corner over the last fortnight or so, and the stable's Gemirande has every chance of building on his nine-length second at Hereford three weeks ago.
A cursory glance at the form book suggests Gemirande is generously treated running off a 2lb lower mark, although he probably would have finished third but for Ede'iffs Elton's fall two out.
Gemirande might appreciate slower ground than this, however, and market rival Our Jet rates the best long-term prospect in the field. He could take plenty of beating.
Our Jet got within three-quarters of a length of Hillcrest off level weights on his hurdling debut at Aintree last November on similar ground, nullifying the negative of a 262-day absence here.
There is a level of guesswork involved as he is yet to jump a fence in public, but backing Dan Skelton-trained runners in handicap chases at Southwell has yielded a tidy £9.90 profit to £1 stakes (39 per cent strike-rate).
It is likely a mark of 122 undersells Our Jet's true talent, and he went of a 6-1 chance for the ultra-competitive EBF Final at Sandown when last seen in March.
If proficient jumping eludes Our Jet, the each-way value in the race could be Feivel. He shaped encouragingly over a trip sharper than ideal at Hexham this month and promises to appreciate a return to a longer trip off 1lb lower. That was his chasing debut and he is less exposed than most in this line-up.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders
What they say
Dan Skelton, trainer of Our Jet
He had a bit of a false start to this season having suffered with uveitis, which is hypersensitivity to the eye. That put him back a few weeks, but he’s in good form now and was always going to be a chaser.
Evan Williams, trainer of Ballinsker
He was running a big race until unseating his rider two out at Ffos Las last time when I think he'd have been involved in the finish. He likes Southwell, having won there before, and the ground should be fine. As long as the jockey [trainer's daughter Isabel] stays on board I'd expect him to run well again.
David Jeffreys, trainer of Rakhine State
He picked up a leg injury when winning at Worcester last year. We always thought he'd make a nice chaser and he’s been schooling well. He's ready for a run, but will no doubt come on for the race after such a long [502 days] layoff.
Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Somekindofstar
He won nicely at Warwick on good ground before running fifth at Wetherby last time. I expect him to be suited by the track and the ground, which will be a mixture of good and good to soft.
Richard Newland, trainer of Feivel
He ran a nice comeback at Hexham when he was staying on at the finish over just short of two miles, and this step up in trip should suit. He’s schooled well since and we're hopeful of another good run.
Olly Murphy, trainer of Ripper Roo
He’s had a long time off but has schooled well at home and can hopefully put in a clear round. He’ll improve for the run, but this looks a nice starting point.
Tom George, trainer of Coupdebol
He ran a nice race at Hereford and I’d expect another good performance.
Neil Mulholland, trainer of Sainte Doctor
We're still in the dark as to why she ran poorly at Fontwell last time. We're giving her another go over fences, but if she doesn’t take to them we may send her back over hurdles.
Reporting by David Milnes
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