The Daily Yankee
NAP OF THE DAY: Notachance, (1500 Warwick), 2pts win, 4/1:
A notorious mid-Jan bog-slog around Warwick doesn’t suit too many horses, We will have to take it on trust that Alan King’s 7yo will take to the course but he did go well at Bangor last time which is not too dissimilar. He is still a developing horse, he has had just 5 chase runs, and that Bangor win on reappearance strongly suggests he is starting to reach his peak. A mark of 139 is not too bad considering, jockey Tom Cannon knows him well, and off just 10st 5lb he should be too young and up-and-coming for his more exposed rivals.
Pont Aven, (1410 Fairyhouse), 14/1: Chatham Street Lad is a short price to defy another hefty weight hike. Both Entoucas and Front View look dangerous but we think Willie Mullins’ Pont Aven looks overpriced. He has struggled at longer trips but has run well stepped down dramatically the last twice, particularly when staying on well from the rear at Leopardstown last time. May be staying on well at the end of what could be a strongly run race. One day, Arvico Bleu will finally come good, but probably on better ground.
Lord Of Kerak, (1425 Warwick), 8/1: an interesting novice hurdle and these testing conditions could play into the hands of this stoutly bred sort. Was no match for Admirel at Sandown over 2 miles, but looked to improve a lot for experience and a test of stamina when winning well at Uttoxeter. May just be on the rise and this looks an ideal chance to take a step up the ladder.
Come On Teddy, (1535 Warwick), 4/1: an always informative qualifier for Cheltenham’s final and a few of these need the top 6 placing to get in, but Tom George’s horse also probably needs the win to get his rating up high enough to make the final field. That could be well within scope given the quality of his Cheltenham win last time which has been franked since. A 7lb rise to 134 is pretty generous and he can take this at the main expense of Imperial Alcazar, a gorgeous horse but one who needs to settle a whole lot better to get home in this mud.
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