The National Hunt season is in full swing and Wincanton racecourse looks the place to be on Saturday afternoon.
The Somerset track hosts a quality seven race card headed by the Gr2 Boodles “Rising Stars” Novices’ Chase (15h50).
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls saddles the top-notch hurdler Knappers Hill in this two-and-a-half-mile feature and the seven-year-old should go one better than on his chasing debut at Chepstow last month.
Back on his ‘home’ track he looks the one to beat.
Nicholls has won the Badger Beer Handicap Chase (16h25) an unprecedented eleven times and is doubly represented on Saturday with Frodon and Threeunderthrufive.
Last year the stable bagged first prize with Frodon who runs well fresh, but with top weight the selection is Threeunderthrufive.
Harry Cobden takes the ride on Threeunderthrufive who looks to have that touch of class needed to win at this level. He was not disgraced when fourth in the Scottish National when last seen, and having had a wind op too, is a big runner.
Nicholls could also score with the progressive Rubaud in the Jenningsbet Elite Hurdle (17h00).
Since finding the Betfair Hurdle a bit too hot, he has won the Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle, the Scottish Champion Hurdle and reappeared with a listed win at Kempton last month. Even with a penalty, he looks to classy for his four rivals.
The only Group 1 over the weekend is run at Down Royal in Ireland. Four go to the 3-mile start for the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at 16h20 on Saturday, and all eyes will be on the Gordon Elliott trained Gerri Colombe.
He made a huge impression in his first season over fences and, with the likelihood of more to come this term, he is taken to make a winning return here.
Defending champ Envoi Allen should be spot on after his Gowran reappearance in September and is feared most.
The in-form Gordon Elliott can double up with Ash Tree Meadow in the Gr2 racingtv.com/freetrial Chase (16h55).
This front-runner landed the Galway Plate 3 months ago, and receiving plenty of weight from his two rivals, will be hard to catch.
