FLAKED OATS can continue his progress in the John Rogerson Memorial Challenge Handicap Chase at Fontwell today. A recruit from point-to-points, Paul Nicholls's eight-year-old made a pleasing debut under rules over today's course and distance in December when ridden out to beat Parahandy four lengths.
Flaked Oats then went to Newton Abbot where he found himself up against Martin Pipe's Gold Cup prospect Cyborgo. Although he had no chance with the latter, who ran out an easy winner, he looked booked for second place when falling at the last.
Flaked Oats does not look harshly treated on his first run in a handicap and should see off some exposed sorts and back get on course for the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.
Pipe's Arabian Sultan is worth considering for the British Equestrian Insurance Brokers Handicap Hurdle. The 10-year-old ran up a sequence of eight wins out of nine back in 1991 but did not race again until last November, when cutting out some of the early running before weakening and pulled up at Haydock.
He looked badly in need of that run and it is interesting that Pipe has persevered with him all this time. Given that he has had problems and is being brought back sympathetically, a much bolder show can be expected this time, especially as he will find it easier to dominate round this tight, track.
Pipe also has prospects with the enigmatic Akiymann in the Amberley Novices' Handicap Chase. The seven-year-old has," shown plenty of ability but has only one win to date in a three-runner hurdle at Exeter and has been labelled a "dog". If anyone can get him right then Pipe's the man and today could be the time to catch him as he returns after a two and a half month rest.
At Hereford, River Wye can confirm that he has taken on a new lease of life by winning the Cowslip Novices' Handicap Hurdle. The five-year-old failed to win a race of any description when trained by John Carr and moved to Worcestershire handler George Yardley last autumn.
After River Wye turned in a lacklustre effort in October, Yardley decided to have a soft palate operation on the gelding and judging by his return to action at Stratford the surgery has had a dramatic effect.
Contesting a novices' handicap hurdle, River Wye led after three out and stormed clear to beat Little Shefford by 13 lengths despite being eased down. River Wye looks a welcome money-spinner for Yardley and he can defy an 8lb rise in the handicap.
The British Labour Party is considering selling off the Tote, the state-owned betting business, in what would be its first privatisation, it was confirmed yesterday.
The party believes the move could raise up to £500 million for its key policy priorities, said an aide to Shadow Chancellor Gordon Brown.
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