Chepstow Preview: Fourovakind can trump his rivals

Fourovakind has been given a massive chance by the handicapper and can take advantage to land the 3m handicap chase on today’s card at Chepstow (1.40).

The Harry Whittington trained gelding developed into a useful hurdler in the early part of last year, winning twice in testing condtions following a cracking run on debut over the obstacles to finish third to the classy O’Faolins Boy at this venue.

The second of those successes also came at this track, and Fourovakind went on to finish an excellent length second to Billy Dutton on soft ground in a 12-runner handicap hurdle at Exeter off a mark of 128.

The son of Sir Harry Lewis was also far from disgraced when ninth of 21 in a decent contest at Newbury off 131, after which his attentions were switched to chasing.

The nine-year-old only managed to make the frame once in four starts over the larger obstacles, but shaped better than the bare result on a couple of occasions and looks the type who has the scope to do far better this season.

If that is the case then Fourovakind is potentially very well-treated in this off a chase mark of 119 compared to the level of form he showed over hurdles.

Other pluses are that Fourovakind has run well fresh in the past, handles soft ground and has yet to finish out of the frame in three runs at the track.

In the 2m 4f hurdle (2.15), Flintham is a fascinating contender on handicap debut and could well have got in lightly.

The Mark Bradstock trained gelding has shown plenty of ability to finish in the frame in four runs over hurdles without being knocked about.

The five-year-old’s third of 14 to Andy Kelly on debut over the obstacles at Stratford reads particularly well in the context of this contest as it has thrown-up several subsequent winners.

Flintham stayed on under tender handling to be beaten 27 lengths, and Bob Keown, Shinooki and Many Stars who finished in behind have all won since.

Bob Keown and Many Stars are now rated 125 and 120 respectively, and that makes Flintham’s opening mark of just 109 look on the lenient side.