8:30 Uttoxeter – Freddy Fanatapan 15/2 EW
A winner for us at 14/1 three weeks ago, a 7lb rise for that success seems lenient given the difficulties he overcame.
Having always travelled well in midfield, FF was forced extremely wide when making the turn for home after a horse veered into his path. He conceded multiple lengths to his rivals around the bend on the turn for home, but Tom Scudamore’s mount made relentless headway once they straightened up. 6th when jumping the 3rd last, FF responded very well to his jockeys urgings; so much so that he was sharing the lead when jumping the 2nd last, where he pecked badly on the landing side.
Despite the adversity, he forged out a one length lead on jumping the last as he ran out a ready two length winner.
The form of the race hasn’t been boosted by the subsequent runners, but the 2nd place finisher, Innerpickle, was a decent juvenile last term making handicap debutant; a type which Nigel Hawke has done very well with in recent seasons. As such, I believe the race was of a decent standard.
The way he stayed on suggests the extra distance won’t be an issue, he gets his preferred ground and the visor is retained after working well last time out.
Tom Scudamore retains the ride and it’s his only ride on the card. This last time out course winner looks set to run another big race.
I’d rate Present Chief as the main danger. He finished 2nd in the 2nd division of the race FF won; that race was run in a quicker time than FF’s race, but it’s worth noting that the pace was far stronger and the front three were all held up early so the race was run to suit. Present Chief was well backed that day and the trip should help but he’s likely to be a short price yet again and he’s been frustrating to follow thus far.
overandclear.com 