Simon Holt has two selections for day one of the November Meeting at Cheltenham with Magic Dancer fancied for the opening contest.
FANION D'ESTRUVAL, a hugely impressive winner at Newbury when making his British debut last season, is fancied to follow up in the Mucking Brilliant Paddy Power Handicap Chase on the first day of Cheltenham's November meeting on Friday.
The Venetia Williams-trained French import came right away from his rivals at the Berkshire course just over a year ago and Sully D'Oc AA (second) and Southfield Stone (third) have made the performance look even better recently.
It was no surprise to see Fanion D'Estruval raised in class next time but, despite going off 6-4 favourite for the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase at Kempton's Christmas meeting, he looked flat out all the way and could finish only fifth behind the very quick Global Citizen.
Nevertheless, he was not far behind the placed horses Rouge Vif, Grand Sancy and Al Dancer who have all won this season.
Back on a stiffer course, Fanion D'Estruval could be a different proposition; clearly, he goes well fresh and his trainer, as is often the case at this time of the year, looks poised to strike top form.
In the opening Markel Insurance Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle, it may be worth taking a chance on MAGIC DANCER benefitting from a step up in trip.
For much of his jumps career, Kerry Lee's eight-year-old has been plying his trade at around two miles but he does give the impression sometimes that a bit further would suit him.
On Magic Dancer's long-passed Flat beginnings, when he was second in the Lingfield Derby Trial and ran in the Cesarewitch, one might expect him to stay well over hurdles and, in two starts this season, he has performed creditably despite being hampered (on both occasions) but also looking as though he might have lost a yard of pace for the minimum distance.
From a handicapping perspective, Richard Patrick's mount has a solid chance running off 123 having performed well off higher marks in the past including when winning at this meeting in 2017 (off 128) and finishing third here in April '19 (130).
Indeed, Magic Dancer has a very consistent course record and represents an in-form trainer and jockey combination.
Posted 1545 GMT on 12/11/20
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