Racecards
16:30 Sedgefield
Bp Cats Novices' Chase (Class E)
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 2m 5f
- Going: Good to Firm, Good in places (Watered)
- Form 32-FU11
- Age 7
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer G A Swinbank
- Jockey J P McNamara
tracked leader, led after 8th, mistake 13th, ridden after last, kept on
Benrajah (IRE)
137- Form 335013-
- Age 6
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer M Todhunter
- Jockey A Dobbin
held up in 3rd, fell 1st
- Form 2P00P4
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer G & J Moore
- Jockey R Garritty
held up, hampered 1st, reminders after 8th, weakened from 12th, held off from next
Taleban
13- Form 0000/25
- Age 8
- Weight 10-12
- Trainer J Wade
- Jockey A Thornton
led, headed after 8th, chased winner, ridden approaching last, every chance flat, not quickened
In depth
Verdict
A clear round should suffice for Virgin Soldier, who looks to be different class to his three rivals of whom Benrajah gets the verdict over Taleban for the forecast spot. The last mentioned finished 18 lengths behind the selection over course and distance in July but failed to build on that effort when well beaten at Cartmel subsequently and more solid claims are held by Benrajah, a 100-rated hurdler, who should do better over fences. In Extremis II is no better than plating class so this should go to Virgin Soldier. Rated 124 at his best over hurdles, Alan Swinbank's gelding made an unconvincing start to his chasing career but followed up his victory here in July with another success here last month. Improving with each race over the larger obstacles, Virgin Soldier is the obvious selection to complete a hat trick.