It’s Southern Nationals Day in Fontwell, and last year’s winner Unexpected Party has done well to retain its crown.
2.05 Fontwell – Last year’s winner of Unanswered Prayer returns
Unanswered prayers offers to get back together in an exciting Betgood’s Southern National Handicap Chase in Fontwell.
The Chris Gordon-trained nine-year-old benefited from a drop in class to claim this award last year. Given that he had a prep ride, he should only gain 1lb more in the weights.
Shantou Lucky is a live contender for James Owen’s team. He scored a fourth success in a chase at Plumpton earlier this month and a 7lb higher mark may not stop him for James Owen’s team, who have a 24 per cent hit rate around Fontwell in the last five years.
Stable mate Ivan chased home Shantou Lucki in the aforementioned contest and has an each-way chance along with the Johnson & Hobbs runner Livin On Lucowhich Callum Pritchard shed 5lb.
3.07 Auteuil – Sel Jem headlines the 1st class star field
Sel Jam is the star of the field of 12 for this Grade 1 The Hague Juselen Award in Auteuil.
Lageneste and Macaire’s Sel Jem warmed up for a run in this top competition with an impressive win in the Grade 3 Prix Heros XII and a similar performance would make him difficult to beat under Jonny Charron.
Toscana Du Berlais will be hoping to turn around their form from last month, while several are in contention for a place, including Grade One runner-up Emmanuel Clay Colloquiawhich will be driven by James Reveley.
1.32 Fontwell – Galactic charm and game colors clash
Competitive look Bet Clever Betgoodwin Handicap Hurdle despite only seven runners.
Galactic Charm has finished runner-up in his last three starts but brings winning form over course and distance. Gary and Josh Moore’s charge is still only a four-year-old and must not be dismissed on this season’s resurgence.
Colors of the game has undergone wind surgery since last seen second at Cheltenham in April. It was a good effort in defeat and he still has more hurdles to jump with Rec Dingle booked.
Civil servant has a lot of set form to its name, whereas Love Tree cannot be ruled out for Fiona Shaw and James Best.
The best of the rest
Auteuil at 11.30 am Fondeur Prize opens our action across the channel, before Leopard Du Berle titles of proceedings in Cambaceres Price at 1:15 p.m.
After that, the 1st class award goes to Maurice Gilois Leader Sport download Lanivtsiwith World Apart also in the mix under Johnny Charon.
At 2:22 p.m Renaud du Vivier Award were won by some classy types including Il Est Francais, with Gainsford well thought out this time.