Grolsch Novices' Chase 2012

4.10 Exeter

Grolsch Novices' Chase (Class 3)  (5YO plus)
Winner £7,148

Advice: 2 pts win Walkon (evs Betfred)

Mic’s Delight: Flop on chasing debut when he was beaten into second by 22 lengths at backend of last season, and getting plenty of weight when running close second to Penny Max; Comprehensive win last time out means that he shouldn’t be underestimated for all this is far tougher.

Walkon: Top class juvenile hurdler in excellent crop before injury intervened, and disappointed after excellent comeback over hurdles last season; Right back to best when romping to chase win here on debut, with 6 lengths to spare over Zanyar (easy Grade 2 winner) and Grade 1 runner up Notus De La Tour; Flopped at Newbury latest although against two seriously good rivals and suggested that he may have run up light, so no surprise to see him take the beating.

Credre Bleu: Promising start with clear cut, if not impressive win on UK debut at Juvenile before finding Spirit Son 21 lengths too good on this card a year ago; Off since but made some electric leaps over his fences on chasing debut and then battled on well to get better of errant runner up; Respected here as he should be all the better for that.

Ballyallia Man: Shown nothing in three starts under rules and then 21 lengths behind Cedre Bleu at Newbury.

Majala: Disappointed on French form when pulled up on his chasing debut but better when third behind State Benefit and Our Mick at Haydock, although he was really well held.

Qaspal: Proven seriously progressive two seasons ago, winning Imperial Cup (Tony McCoy had gone down to 10-3 just to make the ride) before injury intervended; Made the track only once last season and hard to know how fit he’ll be; Big task on if at best anyway.

Rockandahardplace: Not seen much action and failed to make the course in 3 of his last 6.

The Clyda Rover: Beaten 41 lengths on chasing debut at Fontwell in poor race.

Victoria Rose: Had been struggling over hurdles but put in a much more convincing effort when trashing Aurcaria from the front at Uttoexter in heavy ground; That sort of jumping will put her in good stead again.

VERDICT: WALKON disappointed at Newbury, but it seems to have been accepted that he was below par that day (may have run up light) and he should take the beating if back to the sort of form which saw him win so well on his debut, then he can hold off the promising Cedre Bleu and Mic’s Delight.