Southern National at Fontwell

With Stratford abandoned Fontwell is the only other meeting in the U.K. today and the main feature is the Southern National, a handicap chase over 3 1/2 miles at 16.10 CET. Very Cool (David Pipe/ Johnny Farrelly) is the forecast favourite as he seems very leniently handicapped over fences, but with doubts over the stable form and his stamina for this trip, Hello Bud (Nigel Twiston-Davies/ David England), winner of 4 of his 5 starts this year, and Hermano Cordobes (Philip Hobbs/ Darren O´Dwyer) can possibly be preferred. The class 3 handicap hurdle at 15.40 looks wide open with15 runners. 3 of them are German-bred, First Point (Nicky Henderson/ Felix de Giles), Donaldson (Jonjo O´Neill/ Bobby McLernon) and Classic Dream (Brendan Powell/ Wilson Renwick) and all could run well. Donaldson was easily the best of these on flat form, but First Point has taken well to hurdling and can possibly defy top weight. Another ex-German runner is Swordsman, who goes for the beginners chase at 13.55., and he although he has twice run disappointingly, he must have chances in this company.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Orchard House - Rapid Pete - Burgess Hill
2.Race: Heathcote - Otage De Brion - Swordsman
3.Race: Osprey View - Rawaabet - Beechwood
4.Race: Vibe - Glimmer Of Light - Gotontheluckyone
5.Race: First Point - Postmaster - Sweetheart
6.Race: Hello Bud - Very Cool - Hermano Cordobes
7.Race: Perkin Warbeck - Kayf Aramis - Fair Point