Adam Williams presents his prediction for the 3m Injured Jockeys Fund Ambassadors Programme Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase.
Presenting A Queen switched yards this season and has had three runs in mares-only contests. The results have been underwhelming, with a fall on her first outing followed by a third in a handicap and a fourth in a Listed race. Her chances of winning here look limited.
Wyenot, the second mare in the field, does not inspire much greater confidence despite her Beginners’ Chase success at Ludlow. Last time she finished last of three in the Lady Godiva Mares’ Novices’ Chase (Listed Race) at Warwick, performing below expectations.
Crest Of Fortune came home last in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on Boxing Day at Kempton. He was not strongly fancied that day and it is difficult to see him playing a major role here. Before that he was fourth in the John Francome Novices’ Chase, where he was never a serious threat to the winner.
Western Knight began the season poorly with a last-place finish in a three mile Novices’ Chase at Exeter. He then bounced back with two victories in minor events over shorter trips. The main concern here is not the distance, but the quality of opposition.
Thomas Mor won a modest Chasing Excellence Beginners’ Chase against just two rivals, but more notably he finished second in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase. That strong performance sets him apart from this field and makes him our selection.
