CLASSIC BEN, a game winner at Sandown last month, is fancied to follow up in the Insure With Be Wiser Handicap Chase at Newbury on Saturday when stamina could prove decisive.
At the age of just six, Ciaran Gethings' mount ought to progress a bit more and, before holding on well from Ami Desbois last time, he had shown promise behind Treacle Tart at Doncaster.
A 4lb rise for his Sandown win may underestimate Classic Ben and, while there haven't been too many form boosts, this three-and-a-quarter mile test looks likely to suit him, and possibly more so than the likely free-running favourite Strong Pursuit who, despite fading over three miles last time, now goes further.
Later on, ELYSEES is another who should relish a step up in trip in the Be Wiser Insurance Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Alan King's gelding stayed two miles on the Flat and warmed up for this (a long-held target) on the all-weather at Wolverhampton (14f) last month when staying on into third behind two useful rivals.
Previously, Elysees won at Warwick and Ludlow over hurdles before going under by a neck to the gutsy Quel Destin at Doncaster; all those races were over the minimum jumping distance of two miles and the extra three furlongs here should suit well.
Friend Or Foe is almost certain to start a clear favourite for the Paul Nicholls team and this French import seems highly regarded.
Harry Cobden's mount duly made a winning start in this country at Taunton but the form does not look too exciting and, while doubtless open to further improvement, the value may lie with the selection.
In the Betway Casino Handicap at Lingfield, STONE OF DESTINY could prove just too classy for his rivals.
Andrew Balding's useful sprinter, who finished fourth in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last June, was an unlucky loser in Doha last time having earlier chased home the smart Kachy and subsequent winner Gorgeous Noora in Listed company on this course (6f).
Nothing could get to the flying Kachy that day but the form looks pretty solid and there may be just enough early pace here courtesy of Doctor Sardonicus, Verne Castle and possibly Gracious John, for Stone Of Destiny to pick them up in the closing stages back over five furlongs.
James Doyle's mount remains quite lightly-raced and will surely be back in Listed/Group races before too long.
