Presvis ready to buck the trend

IAN PAUL, Racing Correspondent

Published on 8 Nov 2008

If statistics are to be believed, the best-backed horse in today�s final big handicap of the season, the November Handicap at Doncaster, might as well stay at home.

If statistics are to be believed, the best-backed horse in today's final big handicap of the season, the November Handicap at Doncaster, might as well stay at home.

Only one top weight has won this event in the past 20 years, and no favourite has won in the last decade. Presvis, trained by Luca Cumani, carries top weight this afternoon and is a strong favourite.

However, like every other racing stat, the day comes when the figures are left trailing in the wake of a defiant winner. This may be one of them. Presvis' trainer is an expert at placing improving horses in big handicaps with success, and the chances are this four-year-old will be tackling Group contests sent next season.

His seven-length victory in a heritage handicap at Newbury confirmed his talents but that was over 10 furlongs. The question is whether he can be as effective over the extra two furlongs today. Giving lumps of weight away to progressive three-year-olds like First Avenue and Electrolyser will be a tough test if there is any flaw in his stamina.

The former has been a pillar of consistency, having been in the first three in all but one of his eight races, and his win over 11 furlongs at Warwick looks good.

Electrolyser tops that record, having been in the first two in all his four outings. Clearly improving, the trip and soft ground will be no problem as he won over the distance and on soft at Leicester. Others among many who must have prospects are former winners of this race, Carte Diamond and Group Captain, while Magicalmysterytour and Linda Perratt's Acropolis could go well. In the belief that Presvis (3.10) can beat the record book, it could be the favourite's day this time.

The big jump race of the day is at Wincanton, where some smart handicappers go for the Badger Ales Trophy. Tom George's Island Flyer looks to have a sound chance, having won his last three races. Alan King's Trigger The Light, winner of his two races last season, is an interesting contender but it is hard to resist Leading Attraction (3.25), one of two Paul Nicholls runners.

The other big crowd puller at Wincanton is the Elite Hurdle, in which Katchit is entered. Second in his first outing this term, he will be hard to overcome, even if this course is not as testing as he likes. However, the big danger may be Blythe Knight (2.50), who will enjoy this sharper track and is 14lbs better off with Katchit for the five lengths he was beaten by the Alan King horse over this course and distance in February.

Nicholls could be in the winner's enclosure with Breedbreeze (2.20) in the Rising Stars Novices Chase.

Galeota (2.35), who has a great record at Doncaster, will go well in the Wentworth Stakes, and Sourire (2.05) can appreciate going up in trip in the EBF Fillies' Stakes.