Warwick Preview: Grumeti can rule supreme for King

Grumeti scored in facile fashion on chasing debut and can defy a penalty to follow-up in the 2m novices’ chase at Warwick today (2.30).

The Alan King trained gelding was a very smart hurdler rated 153 at his peak, and looks to have a big future over the larger obstacles judged by his nine length success at Bangor back in May.

The seven-year-old put in a a superb round of jumping, and after travelling strongly throughout on the heels of the leaders eased into the lead approaching the last before striding effortlessly clear on the run-in.

Grumeti has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for that success, and faces two very interesting rivals in the shape of Thomas Crapper and Vibrato Voltat.

However, the son Sakhee was much better than that pair over hurdles and judge on the manner of his success at Bangor looks a very smart recruit to the chasing ranks.

I think Grumeti has the class to come through this test with flying colours before going on to better things, and it’s interesting that his handler won this contest 12 months ago with Balder Succes who went on to develop into one of the best novice chasers of last season.

King looks to have a big chance of landing a quick-fire double on the card courtesy of The Tourard Man in the 3m 1f novices hurdle (3.05).

The gelding was a dual point winner who went on to finish placed in a bumper and maiden hunter chase when trained in Ireland, and shaped with bags of promise on his first start for King after a lengthy lay-off.

That run came at Exeter last month, where The Tourard Man tracked the leaders travelling well and held every chance two from home before being unable to quicken and finishing a 5 1/2 length third of 11 to Monto Du Berlais.

The eight-year-old, who was ridden by a 7lb claimer, is entitled to come on a bundle for that run and now gets the professional services of Wayne Hutchinson in the saddle.

King and Hutchinson teamed up 12 months ago to land this contest with Willoughby Hedge, and The Tourard Man looks to have every chance of following suit if building on his latest effort.