In the Barton Executive Valeting
Handicap Chase (2.40), Just A Par has failed to trouble the judge in
eight starts since winning a Grade 2 novices’ event at Newbury on
his second start of last season, but faces his easiest assignment for
some time and can make a belated return to the winners’ enclosure.
Paul Nicholls’ 8-year-old lost all chance when badly hampered at
the fourth last in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Trophy at the
Cheltenham Festival last time, but his previous handicap form at
Prestbury Park on New Year’s Day makes encouraging reading.
On that occasion, the Island House
gelding stayed on at the same pace to finish fourth, beaten 4¼
lengths, behind Mon Parrain over 3 miles 2½ furlongs, but has done
all his winning at 3 miles or shorter and takes a slight drop in
class. Conditional jockey Sean Bowen, who has ridden at 8st 13lb in
the last twelve months, presumably had the option of riding Velator
for his father, Peter, so the hint may be worth taking. Certainly,
Bowen Jnr. has been amongst the winners for Paul Nicholls in recent
weeks, so Just A Par looks fair value at around 6/1 in the early
price lists.
Selection: Chepstow 2.40 Just A Par to
win
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