Newton Abbot Preview: Velator can sail to success

Velator can take advantage of a drop in the weights to land the 3m 2f handicap chase (2.40) on today’s seven-race jumps card at Newton Abbot.
The gelding was a four-time winner when trained by Anthony Honeyball, with the last of those successes coming in a 2m 5f handicap chase at Wincanton 16 months ago where he scored by 11 lengths off a mark of 117.

The seven-year-old went on to be beaten just 1/2 a length next time up off 122, before seriously losing the plot and showing nothing in four subsequent runs.
However, Velator then moved to trainer Peter Bowen and looked a reformed character on his first start for the Welsh handler when a promising third to Makethe Mostofnow at Market Rasen last month.

Velator kept on well without being unduly knocked about to be beaten seven lengths, and has since been dropped a further 1lb by the handicapper to 118.
That is just 1lb higher than when last successful and gives Velator a huge shout at the weights on the pick of his form.
Connections are now also fitting the son of Old Vic with cheekpieces for the first time, and if they have the desired effect Vealtor is going to take all the beating if building on his latest effort.

In the 2m 5f novices chase (3.40), Ainsi Fideles can make the most of the weight he receives from Lamb Or Cod to land the four-timer.
The gelding didn’t live up to expectations over hurdles, but has looked a totally different proposition since being switched to the larger obstacles.
The son of Dream Well has won all three starts over fences, and was particularly impressive in the last of those at Market Rasen when jumping like a buck and making virtually all to slam The Society Man by six lengths.

It was an effort which suggested there was plenty more to come, and although Ainsi Fideles now faces his toughest opponent to date in Lamb Or Cord he receives a massive 13lbs from that rival under the conditions of this context.

That is a huge amount given that Ainsi Fideles is officially rated 1lb higher than Lamb Or Cod, and granted a clear round the David Pipe trained four-year-old should be up to taking this before going on to even better things.

Selections:
2.10: Upsanddowns
2.40: Velator (NAP)
3.10: On Tour
3.40: Ainsi Fideles (NB)
4.10: Look For Love
4.40: Champion Versions
5.10: Nicolas Chauvin