It was my intention this week to be all
over Higher Power, erstwhile ante post favourite for the November
Handicap at Doncaster, but unseasonably fast ground on Town Moor has
led to the withdrawal of James Fanshawe’s progressive
four-year-old. Consequently, I have switched my attention to one of
my favourite races of the year, the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton,
in which the ante post favourite Southfield Theatre also
appears to have an outstanding chance.
Paul Nicholls’ eight-year-old ran
just four times last season, finishing tailed off last on his first
two starts, being brought down in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the
Cheltenham Festival and finishing fourth of 20, beaten 6¼ lengths,
behind The Young Master in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. It’s
worth remembering that he sustained a nasty cut in his leg when
finishing second to Don Poli in the RSA Chase the previous season and
Paul Nicholls’ were out of form this time last year. Indeed, his
trainer believed he wasn’t badly handicapped at Cheltenham off a
mark of 150 and he’s down to 147, so he must have an excellent
prospects for a yard with a 12-33 (36%) strike rate in the last
fortnight.
Selection: Wincanton 3.20
Southfield Theatre (4/1 with Sky Bet) to win
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