China King can follow up a recent course win to take the Kilmany Cup Handicap Chase at Musselburgh today. Jimmy FitzGerald's King's Ride gelding proved no better than modest in bumpers and over hurdles but, on the evidence of his chasing debut in the middle of last month, is going to prove a better prospect over fences.
Consistent during the first half of the season, notching one victory and never out of the frame in four starts, China King was sent off at 5 to 1 for his first outing over fences.
He gave a fluent display of jumping, chasing the leader for Paul Carberry before being sent to the front with three obstacles remaining.
From that point he stayed on gallantly to hold off Moss Pageant by four lengths, with another half back to 5 to 2 favourite Noble Tom.
That race was over two miles but the step up to two and a half should hold no fears as he finished a respectable second to Scotton Green over the trip on softish ground at Aintree in November.
The bay should be capable of further improvement with his debut under his belt and China King is napped to make it two from two over fences.
The Dollar Novices' Hurdle should go to Rawi. A 7,000-guinea purchase out of Gay Kelleway's yard, the chestnut followed a promising fourth on his hurdling debut with victory in a maiden hurdle at Catterick, recovering from a mistake at the third-last to beat J J Baboo by a head, with seven lengths back to the third horse.
Further progress is anticipated and Rawi can defy a penalty.
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