CHEPSTOW 2:10PM SATURDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2013.

See previous post for the 1:30pm race at

Kempton

De La Bech - This horse has never run over fences, although he is proven over this lengthy distance. His last run was at Warwick over 3m1f on Soft ground where he finished 13th. This was arguably a bit too far for him. Before that, he won at Ascot over 3m on Heavy ground. He clearly has bags of stamina as this was a fantastic effort, bearing in mind the testing conditions. He also beat Okafranca that day, but only by 1 1/4 lengths, indicating that their ability is fairly similar. Overall, I have no concern in regards to the trip and conditions, but the lack of experience at this level may play against him.

Firebird Flyer - Proven over this trip and on testing conditions, which should be no trouble for him tomorrow. His last run was at Plumpton over 2m4f on Heavy ground where he finished 5th. This may have been a bit too short for him, and after making numerous mistakes, was never able to get into the race. Overall, aspirations should be high for this horse, as he handles all ground relatively well. 

Global Power - Whilst this horse is proven over this distance, he struggles to deal with the testing conditions which may play against him tomorrow. He likes to race keenly which may cause the horse to use up for more energy which could be disastrous if the ground is too testing. His last win came in October in a fairly competitive race, although this was a much shorter distance. Overall, I think the testing ground will be too much for him and he is likely to struggle. 

High Ho Sheriff - This horse has only ever run 4 times in his career, and all on testing conditions. Therefore, the going today shouldn't be a problem and he is also proven over this distance. His only win came at this course over the same distance in a fairly competitive race. His jumping was good and he stayed on well. He also likes left handed tracks, which should suit him tomorrow. Overall, he has the ability to repeat performance last time he was here, although this is against tougher opposition.

Okafranca - Proven over the 3m distance, although the form does look pretty average. His last win was in December in a fairly competitive race. However, he doesn't appear to like the testing ground, which could play against him today. Overall, he showed good form in December, but this has trailed off into the New Year, although the opposition appears to be weaker here which may give him a chance.

Safran De Cotte - Whilst this horse is proven over the distance, his 3 career wins have come over shorter distances. On his last run, he won at Leicester over 2m7f on Heavy ground in a fairly competitive race. His jumping here was fantastic and he seems to cope really well with testing conditions. However, the 3m trip has never seemed too much of a problem on his previous runs where he has shown promise. Overall, I think this horse has a fantastic chance tomorrow, especially if he can convert his form from shorter distances. 

Rydalis - Just by looking at her recent form figures, its easy to suggest that this horse is in great form. Her last win came at Ludlow in January in a competitive handicap which was run at a fair pace. This was over 3m on Soft ground. Overall, against average opposition today, I feel she has a great chance.

PREDICTION - Once again, with 7 runners, there are 2 runners which I think stand out from the rest. These are SAFRAN DE COTTE and RYDALIS. Both of these have a lot of experience over this distance and handle the testing conditions very wel.