Good Boy Bobby

26th-Dec-2021

I am backing Good Boy Bobby in Sunday’s Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ horse was a progressive novice chaser, and he started off last season well over two and a half miles.  His form tapered off towards the end of the season though, with the result the he started off this season on a mark of 138, 8lb lower than his peak.

He won on his seasonal return though, over almost two and a half miles at Wetherby, and he did well, stepped up to three miles for just the second time in his career for the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle last time, when he went down by just a head to Aye Right.

He was ridden conservatively that day, understandably, with the uncertainty surrounding his stamina, but he saw out the trip well.  He had to stay too, over three miles on soft ground, and he was closing all the way to the line.

The handicapper raised him by 5lb for that run, but that was understandable, and it only took him up to a mark of 146, back to his previous peak rating.  He goes into this race in good form, and he is unexposed at staying trips.  He has the potential to go beyond that mark now over an extended three miles.

He goes very well at Wetherby, he won a bumper there and he is two for two there over fences, and it looks like Sam Twiston-Davies is set to take the ride, in Daryl Jacob’s absence.  He could run a big race.

Silver Hallmark and Empire Steel were both also on my shortlist, but, at the prices, I prefer Good Boy Bobby.

GOOD BOY BOBBY WON (ADV 13/2, SP 4/1)