12.45 Newbury
Aon Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) (5YO plus)
Winner £17,103
Pick: What A Friend (win)
What A Friend: Impressive in his novice season, winning 3 out of 4 starts (not ready for the RSA at Cheltenham);Took giant steps forward on only 3 starts last season, starting with second to stablemate Denman in the Hennessy before landing Grade 1’s at Leopardstown and Aintree (where a below-form Imperial Commander unseated); Disappointing on comeback in Betfair Chase when holding head high but reported breathing problem and if over that, will have big say.
Dance Island: Well beaten behind King Fontaine in good handicap chase at Haydock before pulling up in the Welsh National; Has a lot more in terms of class to deal with here and passed over.
Fair Along: Well known and throughly likeable staying hurdler who's got some very good form over fences; Interesting coming over here although suspicion is that he's not at his peak at this stage of season.
Noland: Impressive winner of the John Durkan when last seen just over 2 years ago, having recovered from a pair of rather disappointing festival efforts in Novice Company; Came second to stablemate Pepe Simo in an AW Bumper, and should have come on massively for that; That wasn't the case when he was well beaten at Trials Day last time.
VERDICT: A very good opportunity for WHAT A FRIEND to get back on track following a poor showing in the Betfair Chase. He’s got a penalty but plenty of class with it and soft ground’s not a problem based on his Lexus win.
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