Fontwell is the venue for today’s summer jumps racing, with all the action live on Sky Sports Racing.
5.34 Fontwell – Bumper winners Secret Des Lune and Sargean clash
The opening Mercedes-Benz Of Chichester Mares’ Maiden Hurdle sees promising pair Secret Des Lune and Sargean headline a field of ten.
Harry Fry saddles Sargean, who failed to score in two point-to-points but burst onto the scene with a cosy success on rules debut at Wincanton in April. Not extended to win by a length and a half, this five-year-old mare won despite showing greenness and should have plenty more to offer under Bryan Carver.
The Ben Clarke-trained Secret Des Lune got off the mark at the third attempt in a Plumpton bumper and, given the third horse has won since, he makes plenty of appeal under David Noonan.
Of the others, Dan Skelton fields Hidden Fortune – who finished runner-up twice in two bumper runs and runs here having skipped Hereford on Tuesday. Flash Bardot ran ok when third on her first start over obstacles the last day and could trouble the judge on reappearance.
6.10 Fontwell – Last-time victors Oakley and Taritino headline
Last-time winners Oakley and Taritino feature among eight runners for this KSR Lighting Handicap Hurdle at 6.10pm.
Oakley doubled his tally over obstacles with an authoritative success at Hereford earlier this month and he merits respect despite shouldering a 7lb penalty.
Joe Tickles’ Taritino has been in grand form this spring and produced a career-best performance to romp away with a Taunton handicap last month. Well-supported, he dominated his rivals and must be feared if in similar mood here.
Sun Joy showed useful form in the Autumn and was last seen running an excellent race to finish second at Kempton back in November. He returns from a break and must be watched in the betting. Alex Hales is operating a 40% strike rate over the last fortnight and saddles Hiconic here, who returns to hurdling after a brief stint on the flat.
6.40 Fontwell – In-form Ballyfinn and Misteroddsocks do battle
In-form duo Ballyfinn and Misteroddsocks look the ones to focus on in a trappy renewal of the Fontwell Park Half Year Membership Novices’ Handicap Chase.
Ballyfinn opened his account over fences when scoring over three miles and two furlongs here just eight days ago and he rates a big player despite dropping back markedly in distance.
Misteroddsocks looks the main danger for Ben Case and Ciaran Gethings. He stepped up on all known form to break his duck over fences at this track and trip last month and remains unexposed in this sphere. That was his first run after a wind operation, and he should have more to offer.
Others to consider include Thickthorn Tom, who should be suited by the drop back in trip.
Best of the rest
The Francis-Henri Graffard team have been sweeping all before them in France of late and field Velikaya in the 3.38pm Prix Esoterique. This Frankel filly is a half-sister to Valia, who scored twice in Group 2 company during her career.
Alter Meister and Bright Light look exciting in the 5.58pm Prix de l’Avre at the same venue, whilst Derawar is open to further improvement for Graffard.
