Nocte Volatus

 

He is an unusual veteran, in that he is racing today off a career-high mark, of 135, but he is unusual too in the sense that he goes into the race on an upward curve and that he is unexposed over staying trips.

 

Known as a two-and-a-half-mile horse mainly, he stepped up to three miles last time at Warwick for just the second time in his life, and he put up a performance that was up there with the best of his career.  He travelled well through his race and, with the exception of a mistake at the middle fence down the back straight, he jumped well.  He joined Torn And Frayed at the second last fence, and he stayed on well from there to run out an impressive winner.  And Torn And Frayed added ballast to the form next time at Cheltenham.

 

The handicapper raised Tom Lacey’s horse by 5lb for that run to a mark of 135, but he won with at least that in hand.  More than that, he left the impression that this trip is what he wants these days.  He is proven at Sandown too, and this good to soft ground is ideal for him.  He should go well.

 

Le Milos is a player, this could have been his target for a little while and he goes well at Sandown too, and Digby would go close if he can repeat the form that saw him go close in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter in July, off today’s mark.  Annsam was good at Ludlow last time, and he goes into the race on an upward curve, but he does go well at Ludlow, and he hasn’t been at his best at Sandown, so he may have to give best today.

 

NOCTE VOLATUS WON (ADV 6/1, SP 11/4)