Plumpton is undoubtedly one of jump racing's hidden gems, with the action never far away, and the track attended on the whole by genuine enthusiasts, with all the enjoyment that goes with it. The contours of the track make it a test of balance more than stamina, while the fences are inviting, yet stiff enough that youngsters are given a proper education. It may not attract the star names as much as the Newburys or Cheltenhams, but it never leaves its customers feeling short changed, and certain trainers are more than happy to sent their better prospects there.
One such trainer is Alan King, with Kandjar D'Allier, Voy Por Ustedes, Bensalem, Medermit, Invictus & Kumbeshwar just a selection of promising young chasers which he has seen fit to send to Plumpton to gain their early education, and all have gone on to better things as chasers, with Invictus the last horse to inflict defeat on Gold Cup hero Bobs Worth. Part of the reason why King is so keen to send classy novices over fences at the Sussex venue is no doubt connected to the ongoing scheme which sees a £60,000 bonus to winners of certain Plumpton races who go on to win at Cheltenham in March, but you can be assured that if the track wasn't deemed appropriate, the runners simply wouldn't come.
King unleashes the promising Uxizandre (15:50) today, and the son of Fragrant Mix will have ideal conditions as he embarks on a chasing career in a change of colours, with J P McManus having picked him up from the Million In Mind Partnership in the summer. He was a winner in soft ground at Newbury and Warwick over hurdles, and ran well to finish within twenty lengths of the exciting At Fishers Cross in graded company at Aintree on his final 2012/13 outing. Sure to be well schooled ahead of this chase bow, he is still unexposed after just seven lifetime starts, and makes plenty of appeal.
Barlow is the form pick, and it's possible that he will benefit from a drop in trip having often finished weakly over further last season. The worry with him is that he simply hasn't won the races he should given his ability, and has almost certainly reached his limit in form terms. Loose Chips went to the well once too often last year, but ought to bounce back with his yard in form. Whether he can concede weight to Uxizandre is another matter, however.
In the staying handicap hurdle at 16:20, the tough Cannon Fodder is taken to regain winning ways after a career best over C&D last time. On that occasion, Sheena West's daughter of Stayers' Hurdle winner Nomadic Way split subsequent winners in finishing a creditable third to Aimigayle. That came on fast ground, but she's perfectly at home in the mud, and the proliferation of pacesetters in this event should ensure that stamina will be tested fully, which is also expected to be to her advantage.
Recommendations:
Both at Plumpton
Back Uxizandre @ [2.52] in the 15:50 (NAP)
Back Cannon Fodder @ [5.7] in the 16:20 (NB)
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