14:55 Huntingdon

Sunday 3 November 2019

All12:0512:3513:1013:4514:2014:5515:3016:05

Fairfax Saddles Novices' Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:55 | Winning time: 5m 10.30s

Imperial Elysian^t³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 102

3/1

Some promise in novice hurdles last term and returned from summer wind op to run satisfactory race at Perth in September over timber. First attempt at chasing for yard in blistering form so has to be respected.

Form: 55534-6

Top Decision²³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: T Scudamore| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 102| BF

8/1

Landed Warwick 2m3f handicap hurdle on New Year's Eve and was third off 5lb higher mark at Hereford in March on only outing since. Chase debut for this full-brother to winning chaser Top Ville Ben so fair display not ruled out.

Form: 24/P513-

Global Ruler^b1,t³¹²

11/2

Slightly disappointing Kalanisi gelindg who has yet to score in seven attempts having shaped as though he might get involved a time or two. Has had wind surgery this summer and this is his first startover fences. Blinkered and represents top team.

Form: 862/554-

Stephanie Sunshine^t¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Adrian Heskin| T: Mrs S Leech| OR: 98

7/1

13-race maiden who has shown some ability in two starts so far over fences finishing third on both occasions. Eased 6lb since latest third at Hereford and not out of it if she can take a step forward.

Form: 342-333

Debrouillard²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: R T Dunne| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 97

7/1

Seven-race maiden who has flattered to deceive a few times over timber. May do better over fences and should be fully fit following recent spin over hurdles.

Form: 6444P-4

Petronella Manners¹⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Hugh Nugent⁽⁵⁾| T: H D Daly| OR: 96

20/1

13 races without success but did finish second in 2m4f hurdle here last year and was runner-up again at Doncaster in January. First chase outing for yard in fine form (5-13) and wouldn't have to be a star to make an impression in this company.

Form: 7258-77

Oldabbey Bridge³²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: J McGrath| T: C Hobson| OR: 96| D

8/1

Responded well to first-time blinkers when winning Uttoxeter 2m4f h'cap hurdle in July but hasn't really built on that since. Chase bow now so worth a check in market for any sign of stable confidence.

Form: 501754

Petrucci^p,t²⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-3| J: Kielan Woods| T: D J Jeffreys| OR: 93

7/1

Made winning debut for current yard at Stratford in August landing 2m2f h'cap hurdle. Two lack lustre efforts since and no surprise to see connections switching to larger obstacles n the hope of sparking a revival.

Form: 330/170

Elite Garde²⁷⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: R P McLernon| T: P R Webber| OR: 92| BF

14/1

Showed little to write home about on first five starts but signs of improvement last run when fourth in Kempton 2m5f h'cap hurdle in January. First start back for decent yard and looks type to do better over fences. Worth a second glance.

Form: 40/0794-

Cagliostro²⁵⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: James Best| T: Miss Z C Davison| OR: 81

66/1

Poor form in four races under Rules to date and hard to see him turning the corner on this first start over fences in Britain for new stable despite getting plenty of weight from all his rivals.

Form: P05/P72-

Forecasts

Imperial Elysian (3/1), Global Ruler (11/2), Petrucci (7/1), Debrouillard (7/1), Stephanie Sunshine (7/1), Oldabbey Bridge (8/1), Top Decision (8/1), Elite Garde (14/1), Petronella Manners (20/1), Cagliostro (66/1)

Nothing stands out in this modest novices' chase but ELITE GARDE could be the type do better over fences than hurdles and he is a tentative choice to win on his chasing bow. Top Decision is not without a chance and is related to a winning chaser, while fellow top weight Imperial Elysian should improve for his first run back following a wind op. Petronella Manners and Global Ruler may prove best of the rest in a race where the market could prove informative.