Martin Pipe's Unsinkable Boxer will be the subject of most attention on his chasing debut at Uttoxeter today. But the all-conquering trainer also takes the wraps off another exciting prospect in Galant Moss, who can make a winning start to his English career in the Laurent Perrier Handicap Hurdle.
Galant Moss already has the credentials to suggest he can be the latest in the long sequence of successful French imports Pipe has unleashed on the National Hunt scene in Britain. The winner of a handicap at Autueil in June, the Tip Moss gelding has not been out of the first three since and finished second last time out in France's leading four-year-old hurdle, half-a-length behind Le Coudray.
That form is enhanced by the subsequent purchase - reportedly for a six-figure sum - by J P McManus of Le Coudray. Now Galant Moss has followed Le Coudray as a French export and, despite automatic top weight of 12 stone on his debut for Pipe, he should be far too good for six moderate opponents.
Galant Moss has only ever raced on an easy surface and has proved he stays further than the minimum trip, but he should take this prize en route to better things.
Raqib is a progressive stayer and can gain his third victory of the season in the Guinness Novices' Handicap Chase. Paul Ritchens' seven-year-old was value for much more than his seven-length victory at Hereford last time out and looks a step ahead of the handicapper.
Nearly An Eye will be a warm order to complete a nap hand in the St Modwen Limited Handicap Chase. However, he will be a short price despite having shot up the weights and it could be worth opposing him with Dante's Cavalier.
David Gandolfo's eight-yearold is still on the upgrade and will be a backable price after finishing third to Cool Gunner and Get Real at Warwick.
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