WINDSOR
Race 1 HAMPTON NOVICES’ CHASE (Grade 2)
No2 JOHNNYWHO
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
Pulled out of his race here on Friday, JOHNNYWHO can pack a punch as the outsider of three in an interesting contest. A move up to three miles should prove to be just what he’s been looking for, and in the famous JP McManus colours he can outpoint Jinko Blue and Lowry’s Bar.
Race 2 No7 KHRISMA
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
KHRISMA can help make it a good day for McManus by scoring on her debut under Rules. The Pastorius mare brings solid form from France to the table, has been working well and can follow the same winning path as a number of similar types sourced by Henderson from that country.
Race 4 No1 MATATA
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: JJ Slevin
In his new role as contracted jockey to the owners of MATATA, Slevin can guide the keen going top weight home in this good betting heat. The selection won at Cheltenham’s Paddy Power fixture and again showed himself to be effective on an undulating course when a neck second to Nells Son at Kelso. He should in fact be just as effective switched to a flat track, and can take the spoils at the main expense of CREBILLY.
Race 5 No5 PUSH THE BUTTON (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
PUSH THE BUTTON won two from three over hurdles last season before putting in an aye catching first run in a handicap at Cheltenham. She wasn’t able to build on that promising comeback effort when getting stuck in the mud at Haydock, and is definitely worth the chance to redeem himself on ground that has dried up a little over the weekend.
Race 6 FITZDARES FLEUR DE LYS CHASE
No7 INDIANA DREAM (Each Way)
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
Several top line performers cross swords in a fascinating race but there’s a joker in the pack in the form of INDIANA DREAM. In a lop-sided career so far the seven-year-old has remained unbeaten, scoring on his only start in France in a bumper, and landing a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse and a chase at Navan when in the care of Willie Mullins. He hasn’t run for more than a year, but granted his potential he’s a speculative advice to topple PIC D’ORHY, DJELO and PROTEKTORAT.
Race 7 No2 FORTUNATE MAN (Nap)
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
FORTUNATE MAN is a bet I’m looking forward to in the nightcap. He’s lightly-raced over fences and has been supported in his last two outings, making no mistake at Aintree last time. He’s a strong traveller, jumps well and should make a good fist of it against fancied rivals in JUST OVER LAND and ART DECCO.