Fox Appeal looks to have plenty going for him in the 3.50 at Cheltenham today and is strongly fancied at 6/1 to land the spoils.
Emma Lavelle’s gelding was a smart hurdler who has won two times over fences, with the last of those successes coming in a 2m 4f graduation chase back in November where he ran on strongly after the last to dead-heat with Theatre Guide at Kempton.
The eight-year-old then didn’t jump well when fifth in the Amlin Chase at Ascot, but then posted two really solid efforts.
In the first of tose he finsihed runner-up to Balder Succes over 2m 5f at Kempton and he backed that up with a staying on second to Rebel Rebellion in a 2m 6f handicap at Ascot.
Fox Appeal got put up 3lb to 152 for the latter, but ran a blinder off the same rating at Kempton 15 months ago when a 1 3/4 length third to Balder Succes in the Pendil Novices’ Chase.
The winner was rated 163 before sadly losing his life after a fall at Aintree last week, and Fox Appeal finished just a short-head behind God’s Own who finished runner-up in the Arkle to Un De Sceaux and second at Aintree in another Grade 1 contest and is now rated 160.
That form reads very well in the context of this contest and suggests Fox Appeal’s current mark should not be beyond him.
Today’s 2m 5f trip is also ideal, and with Richie McLernon in the saddle he can make his class tell to defy top weight and get back on the winning trail.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts win Fox Appeal (6/1 generally available – use BOG firms)