Penalty unlikely to stop Sulpius in BetVictor Cheltenham Festival Antepost Pioneers Novices´ Handicap Chase at Folkestone
Sulpius has received a rise following 12-length success at Fontwell last week. The 7-year-old can nevertheless take the first prize in Tuesday’s BetVictor Cheltenham Festival Antepost Pioneers Novices´ Handicap Chase at Folkestone.
Sulpius has shown a couple of good efforts this season. After facing a terrible loss on his seasonal comeback in September, the Bob Buckler-trained lifted the standards, and got off the mark in good style at Fontwell early in November.
He was not impressive on his previous Folkestone venture. In the Follow Totepool On Twitter And Facebook Handicap Chase, he suffered a terrible tumble last month.
An unfortunate ride would have dented his confidence to a great extent. But the son of Tertullian quickly got his act together, and displayed a fascinating show last time out.
The audience at Fontwell saw him cruising to comfortable win in the Village Marquees Handicap Chase. In the hands of Andrew Glassonbury, he pressed the leader early on, and subsequently led at the eighth fence.
The 7-1 chance kept travelling nicely, and outjumped the main rival well before the wire. The journey was convenient afterwards, as he bagged the first prize by a dozen lengths.
Having shown sudden improvement of late, the Mrs Jennifer Gregson-owned is in great momentum, and the penalty might not stop him. Over a distance of two miles and five furlongs, he will face six opponents. The class-5 meeting is due to start at 14:30 GMT.
Witch’s Hat made all at Leicester to get today’s 5lb higher mark. Yet, the Jim Old-trained looks one of the main players. Sulpius surely needs to be stay cautious of him. Little Jimmy was decent here last time, but could not make a winning effort. Tom Gretton’s
charge needs significant improvement to trouble the principals here.
Doheny Bar is making debut for the new stable. He has not opened his account yet, but it will be interesting to see how he manages things under the care of Paul Henderson.
Tchang Goon is also aiming for his first success. Against this line-up, his chances of getting off the mark don’t look fairly obvious. Good luck to all the participants.
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