TATANIANO can book his ticket for the Cheltenham Festival with victory in the MC Seafoods Novices’ Chase at Newbury.
The six-year-old is already prominent in the Arkle market after a superb start to his chasing career.
A classy performer in novice hurdles last term, he breezed home on his debut over fences at Exeter, barely putting a foot wrong in beating Award Winner by 32 lengths.
He was similarly impressive when upped to Grade Two company at Cheltenham last time, comprehensively beating a decent yardstick in Pigeon Island.
Tataniano was probably slightly fortunate in that his main market rival, Fosters Cross, crashed out at the third-last when still travelling well, although Nicholls’ runner was far from under pressure.
He has scared off most of the opposition here and this looks something of a penalty kick on his way to a big date in March.
Presenting Forever should appreciate the slightly better ground on offer at Doncaster as he tackles the robinhoodairport.
com Novices’ Handicap Chase.
Howard Johnson’s runner made quite an impression on his fencing bow, pulling well clear of some lacklustre rivals in a three-mile event in testing conditions.
He had shown good form on a marginally quicker surface previously so the going should be in his favour here and he is certainly a sound staying prospect.
Connak can make it fourthtime lucky in Chepstow’s Les Swanwick Electrical Ltd Novices’ Chase.
The eight-year-old was unfortunate to run into two good Paul Nicholls horses in Inchidaly Rock and Take The Breeze on his first two outings, while he ran a solid enough race in defeat when second last time.
He has already shown a liking for this track in winning over hurdles here back in 2008 and is the one to watch.
Beyond rates banker material for all-weather fans in the Lingfield Park Sporting Membership Maiden Stakes.
The Jeremy Noseda-trained Galileo colt made his debut at the turn of the year at Wolverhampton, showing definite ability in finishing third to odds-on High Constable from the Roger Charlton yard.
As befits a son of Galileo, he was doing his best work at the finish and the step up to ten furlongs from a mile is only going to help the cause.
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