Fabre ready to rule at Newmarket

14 April 2012

The man they call Napoleon is back at Newmarket tomorrow. And the peerless French trainer Andre Fabre can make his one-horse raid a winning one when Valixir (nap) tackles the Weatherbys Earl of Sefton Stakes.

This lightly-raced grey is up against stern opposition, but several look far from guaranteed to produce their very best.

Take Norse Dancer, who is high class on his day but ended last year with two disappointing performances. Or take Big Bad Bob, who needs to dominate and may not be able to slip his field up this long and unforgiving straight.

Alkaadhem looks a safer option after a couple of decent performances in good company in Dubai, but Valixir is the value bet to confirm the promise of a series of fine efforts against the best France had to offer in 2004.

A close third in the French Derby at Chantilly showed that Valixir belonged in top company, while a couple of Group 2 wins at Maisons-Laffitte and Longchamp set him up for a tilt at the Arc.

The combination of a high draw and traffic problems resulted in him unable to challenge there, but he remains a good prospect and will be in his element if the forecast for rain overnight proves accurate.

Unexposed three-year-olds dominate the main supporting events at Newmarket, so the best advice from a betting viewpoint is to tread carefully. That said, keep an eye on Black Velvet in the 32Red.com European Free Handicap.

Marcus Tregoning's colt pulled too hard when badly drawn in Shamardal's Vintage Stakes at Goodwood last summer but might just have crept in on a fair mark here as a result.

Cape Columbine is bound to attract interest in the Shadwell Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes. David Elsworth's filly will need to win this to cement her lofty position in the 1,000 Guineas market, but Slip Dance wasn't far behind the best last year and could prove better value to follow up her recent Cork win.

A little each-way on Lets Roll looks the safe call in the 32Redpoker.com Handicap which opens the Newmarket card, but jumping fans will be more concerned about what is happening on a strong Cheltenham card.

The ongoing battle between Martin Pipe and Paul Nicholls for the trainers' title will be one of the main features of the day, and Le Duc (nb) can strike a blow for the Ditcheat handler in the Faucets Silver Trophy.

Granted, this six-year-old is far from the most reliable jumper in training. However, he goes well at Cheltenham and his stayingon third behind Cregg House in the Topham Chase at Aintree last Friday puts him firmly in the reckoning here.

Pipe and Nicholls saddle five between them for the Telectronics Systems Handicap Chase at 2.00. However, if the ground stays dry it could be another Nicholls who steals the show.

Bridget Nicholls, who used to be married to Paul, feels that the veteran Lord Noelie still has a decent handicap in him. Lord Noelie can prove her right now that AP McCoy is back aboard, while Prins Willem's fine fourth in hot novice company at Cheltenham last month sets the standard for the rest to match in the Centaur Exhibition And Conference Centre Novices' Hurdle.

Selections for tomorrow's TV races Newmarket: 1.10, Lets Roll; 1.45, Black Velvet; 2.20, Valixir (nap); 2.55, Slip Dance. Cheltenham: 1.25, Prins Willem; 2.00, Lord Noelie; 2.35, Le Duc (nb).

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Fabre ready to rule at Newmarket

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