In terms of mid-winter betting propositions, there are few better than those novice chasers who quickly show that they have the all-round technique to deal with a transition to handicaps, where they tend to meet fully exposed rivals at a time when the official assessor hasn't had a chance to get to grips with them, and natural progression often means they can be backed again and again.
One such sure-footed rookie is the Michael Smith-trained Imperial Vic, who has jumped with alacrity in a trio of starts over fences, winning at Musselburgh before making a subsequent winner pull out all the stops at this track next time. He showed that he was able to take on classier rivals when third to Vintage Star and Buddy Bolero at Carlisle last time, outjumping more experienced rivals before showing a most willing attitude to rally strongly after being headed between the last two fences. Imperial Vic's last 2 efforts have suggested both a big heart and untapped reserves of stamina, so the step up to four miles against lesser rivals should suit ideally, and this likeable sort is taken to make every yard. Odds of around 9/4 may seem on the skinny side for what appears a competitive event, but he really does stick out like a sore thumb, and would appeal at much shorter odds.
In the previous contest, I'm hopeful to see further signs of revival from the yard of George Charlton. George and his father Alistair have a well-earned reputation as outstanding stockmen, with Ida's Delight and Lord Dorcet both placed at the Cheltenham Festival. In recent years, financial reality has meant that the future stars have been sold off, with Bold Bishop and Tidal Bay both picked up for pennies by George before being sold to leave the yard for a handsome profit, and it's been left to Knockara Beau to fly the flag for the Mickley Grange stable. Times have certainly been hard in terms of winners, but the few runners sent out this autumn have all run well, with Knockara Beau winning at Kelso and running a huge race at Cheltenham last month, and Bogside is taken to go close off an attractive handicap mark.
I'm hoping that the selection drifts further from a fair morning price, as his profile isn't one which will tempt many, and there are a couple of unexposed sorts here in the shape of Raven's Tower and Gunner Lindley. The former won easily at Plumpton last time, but beat nothing and is not exactly thrown in after a hefty rise for that success, while the claims of Gunner Lindley are predicated on his Flat form, and he's yet to convince that he has the requisite stamina for hurdles. That pair are respected, but Bogside is a solid alternative, having made the frame on all but one of his eight previous visits to the track, winning twice. His tendency to make the odd mistake is well established, but he jumped and travelled fluently when third to subsequent winner Turtle Watch over C&D last month, and is now a couple of pounds lower in the weights. A repeat of that effort will see him placed at worst.
Recommendations:
Both at Kelso
Back Bogside to place @ [3.95] in the 13:25 (NB)
Back Imperial Vic @ [3.35] in the 13:55 (NAP)
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