Chepstow preview: Bonjour Steve can wave goodbye to rivals
Published:
Bonjour Steve has a good record at Chepstow, and can further enhance it with victory in the 5f handicap on today’s seven-race card at the Welsh venue (16.00).
The Richard Price trained gelding has won twice at the track this season, and also posted two really solid efforts to make the frame.
In the last of those successes 12 days ago, Bonjour Steve showed plenty of early dash before quickening nicely to beat Swendab by 3/4 of a length off a mark of 63.
The four-year-old now meets the runner-up, who has gone on to score since, on 3lb better terms and there is no reason why he should not confirm the placings.
Although Bonjour Steve now has to race off a career-high mark of 68, the 5lb rise in the weights for his latest victory is offset by the claim of top apprentice Tom Marquand.
Taking into into account, Bonjour Steve is effectively a winner without a penalty and Marquand partnered the son of Bahamian Bounty to success at the track six starts back.
My Son Max has posted a series of solid efforts this season, and can gain a deserved success in the 1m 2f handicap (16.30).
The Nikki Evans trained gelding has finished runner-up at the track in his last two starts, and went down by just a neck to Peak Storm in the last of those over 7f three days ago.
My Son Max stayed on strongly despite being carried right inside the final furlong, and now meets the winner on 6lb better terms.
That should be enough to enable the seven-year-old to gain his revenge, especially as this races looks sure to be run a strong gallop which will suit the son of Avonbridge.
My Son Max will also not mind the step up in trip, whereas Park Storm is unproven over it.
Selections:
14.00: Sirajiah
14.30: Burningfivers
15.00: Flying Hammer
15.30: Stone Roses
16.00: Bonjour Steve (NAP)
16.30: My Son Max (NB)
17.00: Sky Rose
