Fontwell hosts today’s summer jumps action, all shown live on Sky Sports Racing.
5.34 Fontwell – Mercedes-Benz Of Chichester Mares’ Maiden Hurdle
The opener brings together a competitive field of ten, headed by promising bumper winners Secret Des Lune and Sargean.
Sargean, a five-year-old trained by Harry Fry, made an eye-catching rules debut when winning at Wincanton in April. He showed greenness but scored comfortably by a length and a half and, now partnered by Bryan Carver, should improve for that experience.
Secret Des Lune, trained by Ben Clarke, finally got off the mark at the third attempt in a Plumpton bumper. With the third-placed horse since proving successful, he looks to have solid claims under David Noonan.
Other runners of note include Hidden Fortune for Dan Skelton, who has finished runner-up in both bumper starts and reappears after skipping Hereford on Tuesday. Flash Bardot showed promise when third on her first start over hurdles and could be competitive on her reappearance.
6.10 Fontwell – KSR Lighting Handicap Hurdle
Eight go to post, with last-time winners Oakley and Taritino prominent in the weights.
Oakley doubled his tally over obstacles with a decisive success at Hereford earlier this month and, despite carrying a 7lb penalty, commands respect.
Taritino has been in excellent form this spring and produced a career-best to romp home in a Taunton handicap last month. Well supported that day, he must be feared if repeating that performance.
Sun Joy, who showed useful form in the autumn and finished a strong second at Kempton in November, returns from a break and merits watching in the market. Hiconic is another to note as he reverts to hurdles after a short spell on the Flat; his handler Alex Hales has been enjoying a good run of late.
6.40 Fontwell – Fontwell Park Half Year Membership Novices’ Handicap Chase
This novices’ chase looks tricky, but in-form Ballyfinn and Misteroddsocks stand out.
Ballyfinn opened his account over fences here eight days ago over three miles and two furlongs. Although he drops back significantly in trip, that recent win keeps him firmly in the picture.
Misteroddsocks, for trainer Ben Case and rider Ciaran Gethings, improved to break his chasing duck at the same track and distance last month. That was his first run following a wind operation, and he appears to remain unexposed over fences.
Thickthorn Tom is another to consider, as the shorter trip should suit him.
Best of the rest
Over in France, Francis-Henri Graffard’s team continue to dominate and saddle Velikaya in the 3.38 Prix Esoterique. The Frankel filly is a half-sister to Valia, a twice Group 2 winner, and looks an interesting prospect.
Alter Meister and Bright Light both appeal in the 5.58 Prix de l’Avre at the same meeting, while Derawar represents further potential for Graffard and could progress with experience.