Maghull Novices Chase 2012

2.15 Aintree

John Smith's Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £56,270

Advice: 4 pts double Sprinter Sacre & Simonsig (runs 1.45) (1.78 Hills)

Australia Day: Useful front running type who has run some screamer in good company in the past, notably when winning the Summer handicap hurdle back in 2010; last two chase wins came in weak fields and little chance of beating Sprinter Sacre here.

Kudu Country: Taken to fences more than well, with win over subsequent triple winner Bold Sir Brian at Carlisle his best performance only just ahead of beating Eradicate having given him 3lbs; Technically has the worst chance of any runner here and while that’s an insult, does have to improve to even think about troubling Sprinter Sacre.

Sprinter Sacre: Built on the promise he showed last year over hurdles tenfold in becoming one of the best novice chasers in years this season, with the latest of 4 brilliant wins coming in the Arkle at Cheltenham, silencing those who felt that the track would be his undoing; Should be even better on this flatter surface against weaker opposition and going 5-5  over fences looks a formality.

Toubab: Has looked very good when everything’s fallen right for him over fences, hacking up in decent event at Sandown having looked a sure fire winner when coming down at Haydock the time before; Not been asked for his effort when brought down in Grand Annual and yard won this 4 times in last decade but taking on Sprinter Sacre is a different task altogether.

VERDICT: SPRINTER SACRE already looks special and we could be in for a real treat with only 3 runners to oppose him around a flat track that we know he loves, he could put on an exhibition like he’s already done at Doncaster, Kempton and Newbury. For some value, putting him in a double with Stablemate Simonsig (runs in the 1.45) along with forming the core of some trebles seems to be the best way to go.