At The Races’ Gary Nutting focused on Sunday’s race at Uttoxeter, live on Sky Sports Racing.
The Sky Sports Racing cameras are in Uttoxeter on Sunday MIP Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (1.23) it is the most valuable bout on a seven-fight card.
The Grade Three event over two and six miles has attracted eight runners led by Bear Ghylls 140, fourth in the Ballymore Novices’ Challenge at the Cheltenham Festival two seasons ago.
The area was reported to be mild on Saturday afternoon, with more rain and temperatures remaining on the cooler side.
GROUND WORK
Left-footed and sharp by nature, Uttoxeter tends to favor the pacer and being able to spot the move is vital when tested. Of the trainers represented in the competition Dan Skelton (Benny’s Oscar) has the best training record over fences with nine wins and almost 20 percent strikes over the last three years according to our statistics.
COMPETITIVE LEADERS
Bear Ghylls
He has been successful in four of his six starts and his two defeats have not been difficult, finishing fourth at the Cheltenham Festival and third in a chase last month in a Class One Listed event at Carlisle. Thoughts are strong and yet very rich.
A great crime
Getting too far ahead of the challenge before biting off more than he could chew at the Grand National (although fun started his favourites). Makes the weather/chasing look similar.
Fern Hill
A winner over two hurdles who has been knocking on the door over fences, including here on the soft ground. Gradually reduce weight and stay in good shape.
Survey of Surrey
Overcoming all these challenges starts before he finished ahead of Arizona Cardinal in the Sandown heat handicap in March. They meet their competitors on a better track now, but they don’t have the experience to chase them.
Arizona Cardinals
The progressive striker who signed the ability to make fences when he received credit for seventh in a large field for the Sandown handicap last spring. I was impressed with the way he went and jumped when he chased at Bangor last time and this track promises a strong performance from the top 5lb.
Super Survivor
An ex-pointer who quickly changes fences after impressing at the first hurdles (two wins and one second from three trials). The obvious potential for change, even when viewed with difficulty from a disability perspective.
SECTION
Bear Ghylls enjoys a class advantage and there was nothing wrong with appearing/chasing third in the famous trials of the early races. However by receiving 15lb ARIZONA CALL he can have a very heavy measure, especially on a track that has to match his attack style.
