Western Warhorse looked a handicapper to keep onside when runner-up on his seasonal reapperance and is strongly fancied at 5/1 to go one better in the 1.30 at Newbury today.
The gelding moved to David Pipe’s after being bought for £130,000 following a win in an Irish point but got no further than the second on his hurdling debut at Ffos Las for his new handler in a race won by Whisper.
However he then put up an impressive display at Chepstow back in April where despite still showing distinct signs of inexperience he made virtually all and stayed on strongly to beat Hold Court by 10 lengths.
The runner-up has some useful form going into the contest and was rated 129 on the day, and it was a very smart effort by such an inexperienced horse to give him such a comprehensive beating.
He then confirmed that promise on his reyurn to action after a 219 day break at Chetenham’s Open Meeting when going down by just 3 lengths to stable companion Home Run in a competitive 19-runner conditional jockey’s handicap.
The five-year-old attempted to make all that day and looked the likely winner as he kicked off the home turn, despite losing some impetus whne jumping the path.
However he couldn’t match the pace of his well-handicapped stable companion after the last, but to his credit he stuck to the task really well despite still looking inexperienced.
Judge on that effort I think he is capable of far better and that his current mark of 125 underestimates his ability.
With the step up to an exteneded 3 miles expected to suit and Tom Scudamore now taking over in the saddle he looks the one they all have to beat.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Western Warhorse (5/1 Stan James – BOG)
