Rouge Vif looks decent value to land the Grade 2 feature contest on this Saturday’s card at Warwick, the 2m Kingmaker Novices’ Chase (14:05).
This Harry Whittington trained six-year-old developed into a very useful hurdler when winning three times.
In the last of those at Kelso, he easily beat Windsor Avenue by fourth lengths in a Grade 2.
Rouge Vif went on to round off the campaign with a fine third to Felix Desjy in a Grade 1 at the Aintree Grand National Festival.
There was lots to like about his chasing debut at Market Rasen back in October, where he ran on strongly to account for Baddesley Knight.
The son of Sagebook was fancied by many to follow-up in the Grade 2 Arkle Trial at Cheltenham the following month.
After being sent off a well-backed 11/4 shot, he failed to sparkle though and finished an 8 1/2 lengths last of four to Put The Kettle On. Rouge Vif then underwent wind surgery.
He put in a much improved effort when 1 1/4 lengths runner-up to Global Citizen in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad at Kempton.
Wayward Lad form looks strong
Rouge Vif jumped well and threw down a strong challenge three from home to hold every chance at the last, but was then unable to find any extra on the run-in.
The third home Grand Sancy has since run very well to finish a two-length fourth to Itchy feet in a Grade 1 at Sandown, whilst the fourth home Al Dancer is also a smart sort who found only the exciting Mister Fisher too good next time up in a Grade 2 at Doncaster.
That gives the form a strong look.
Horses often improve for their second start back from a wind op, so there could be much more to come from Rouge Vif who has reportedly been schooling in scintillating fashion at home ahead of this assignment.
Other pluses are that he once again has the services of Gavin Sheehan, who has a 50 per cent strike rate on him, and underfoot conditions to suit.
So, at 7/2 with SportNation, Rouge Vif looks worth siding with to get the better of Kingmaker Novices’ Chase market leader Nube Negra.
Indefatigable taken to bounce back in Listed mares
Indefatigable ran too bad to be true last time out when third at Sandown, but looks worth another chance to build on previous promise in the Listed 2m 5f Mares’ Hurdle (14:40).
Trained by Paul Webber, this seven-year-old improved throughout last season when winning two of her six starts over the obstacles and also posting some solid efforts in defeat.
They include when beaten just a neck by win machine Lady Buttons in a Grade 2 at Doncaster and a 5 1/4 lengths fifth of 22 to Eglantine Du Seuil in the Dawn Run at the Cheltenham Festival.
Indefatigable went on to round off the campaign with an easy 10-length success in a Listed contest over 2m 4f at Cheltenham.
There was lots to like about her second start this season when finding the aforementioned Lady Buttons, a winner again since, 1 3/4 lengths too good in Listed affair at Wetherby.
She then a blinder to finish a 4 1/2 lengths runner-up to Dame De Compagnie in a hot 16-runner class 2 handicap at Cheltenham.
This is easier than the Listed race she ran in at Sandown last month when a plugging on 17 1/2 lengths third of four to Silver Forever.
Indefatigable also appeals as the type that will appreciate the step up to 2m 5f for the first time, as she often finishes off her races strongly.
The booking of Richie McLernon to partner her for the first time also catches the eye, as he has a good record when teaming up with the yard.
On the pick of her form, Indefatigable is undoubtedly the one they all have to beat in this. At 11/4 with BetVictor, she is taken to quickly bounce back and notch a third career success.
Belami Des Pictons fancied for more Warwick glory on Kingmaker Novices’ Chase day
In the 2m 4f Warwick Castle Handicap Chase (15:15), Belami Des Pictons looks worth a bet at 7/2 with William Hill to stay unbeaten at the track.
This eight-year-old has won three of his eight starts over fences and is a perfect two from two at this venue, having won by 15 lengths and 22 lengths.
His last success came at Leicester back in February 2017 where he strolled to a facile 33-length success over Zeroshadesofgrey.
Belami Des Pictons was then on the sidelines for 250 days, before running a cracker to be beaten just 2 1/2 lengths by the now 165-rated Waiting Patiently in the 2017 Colin Parker Memorial Chase at Carlisle.
He has had just three starts since. Belami Des Pictons showed that he retained plenty of ability on seasonal reappearance when a staying on 16-length fourth of 17 to Happy Diva in the valuable, ultra-competitive Grade 3 BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham off a 146 rating.
The third home Warthog, who beat him by six lengths and was getting 14lb, has since landed the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at the same venue.
That gives the form a solid look. Belami Des Pictons is now able to race off 2lb this lower grade class 2 affair.
That is because he was let down by his jumping last time out at Kempton when sent off a heavily-backed 2/1 favourite and trailing in a distant eight of 11 to Just a Sting.
It gives him major claims from a handicapping perspective on the pick of his form.
The return to this venue, having found things happening too fast around the tight turns of Kempton, is an obvious plus.
