Generous looks pure Greatwood Gold on cracking card at Newbury
Published:
David Metcalf | March 4, 2016
Ransom ready to rock in Gold Cup Handicap Chase
Generous Ransom is back down to a handy mark and looks decent value to take advantage and land the spoils in the Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase on a cracking card at Newbury (15.25).
The Nick Gifford trained gelding progressed well over fences last season, winning a competitive 12-runner contest at Cheltenham before going on to finish an excellent third of 20 to Irish Cavalier in a 2m 4f Listed class 1 novices’ handicap chase at the Festival.
Generous Ransom held every chance in the latter when hanging left on the run-in, and then stayed on well when straightened up to be gaining at the finish and beaten just three lengths.
It was a fine effort, and the form of the race is very strong.
The eight-year-old got up 4lb to 140 as a result of that run, and has failed to trouble the judge in three starts this season.
However, Generous Ransom didn’t shape too badly last time out when fifth to Sego Success over 3m at Doncaster and has since been dropped a further 2lb.
The son of Generous is now able to race off 136, the same as when third to Irish Cavalier, and now drops back down to a trip which is ideal.
It gives Generous Ransom every chance on the pick of his form, and he comes into the contest having been given a break to freshen up.
Hill can prove the Master in Veterans’ Handicap Chase
In the Greatwood Veterans’ Handicap Chase (14.15), Masters Hill has plenty going for him.
The Colin Tizzard trained 10-year-old is a dual scorer over fences, and in the last of those successes 13 months ago at Exeter slammed the useful Just A Par by nine lengths.
Masters Hill was sent off just 14/1 for the ultra-competitive 24-runner Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on the back of that victory and was under pressure but still in contention when getting brought down four from home.
The gelding was then on the sidelines for 242 days, but looked as good as ever on seasonal reappearance when going down by just a neck to Salubrious in a decent race at Carlisle off a mark of 144.
Things haven’t gone to plan in three subsequent starts, but Masters Hill is now able to race off a reduced rating of 140 as a result.
That is just 3lb higher than when last successful, and gives Masters Hill major claims at the weights on ground which will suit.
Selections
13.45: Olofi
14.15: Masters Hill (NB)
14.50: Saint Charles
15.25: Generous Ransom (NAP)
16.00: Ikrapol
16.35: Hughesie
17.10: Cultivator
Related
