2:03 – Evander 17/2 E/W
A keen going sort, Evander was progressive over hurdles last season and he made a very encouraging debut over fences on his most recent start.
Despite having the joint-second lowest official rating, Evander was extremely well backed for the Beginners’ Chase at Sedgefield; having opened at 10/1, he went off a 3/1 favourite.
He was quick over his fences and showed a useful ability to fiddle one when he got in close, which is a valuable attribute for a novice to have. He set a very strong gallop from the front which eventually led to him tiring on the run to the second last. He can be expected to come on significantly for that run and he shaped far better than a 16 length defeat would suggest. It was also notable that the hood, which he’d worn on all starts to date, was left off last time out. However, it returns to day and that could bode well for his chances.
Furthermore, he did show a tendency to jump slightly out to his right. As such, the switch to a tight, right handed track looks the right move especially given his run style.
With just 9 runners, Evander looks a solid E/W proposition now he’s back in handicap company. He was very progressive last term and after a promising debut over the larger obstacles, he looks capable of landing a handicap chaser this term off his current mark.
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