Thursday Double...

Warwick 14:40 - Sobers
2m 4f, Class 3 Novices' Chase - Heavy

More famed for training the high class hurdler Straw Bear, Nick Gifford is quickly establishing himself as hot property within the National Hunt game. Today he is responsible for the talented novice chaser, Sobers who was impressive when winning last time out at Chepstow. The step up in trip is likely to bring about even further improvement and he is taken to score from quirky Pauillac.
WON 2/1

Sobers survived a jink right at the last fence to land the spoils in Warwick's Novice Chase this afternoon. Travelling well for the large part, he was asked to go and win his race jumping 2 out. Nick Gifford's gelding went on to score by 2 lengths and provide the Sussex based trainer with his 11th winner of the season.

Fontwell 14:50 - Air Force One
2m 6f, Class 3 Novices' Chase - Soft

Charlie Mann's novice, Air Force One, looks to stamp his credentials on the jumping game by landing a chase double at Fontwell today. This former high class hurdler was an impressive 11l winner at Folkestone last time out, and promises to become an even greater force over the bigger obstacles.
WON 4/6f

A bloodless victory by a real star of the future over fences. Previously a top class 3m hurdler, he will improve with experience and is crying out for a trip over the larger obstacles. The further he went the better he seemed to travel and jump and in slightly better ground he will be a force to be reckoned with come the festival in March.

WON 4/1 DOUBLE

Note book;

I must mention former Gold Cup and King George winner Kicking King, who is making his belated return to the track today. Tom Taaffe's high class stayer returns in the 14:15 at Gowran Park after 759 days off the track.

Kicking King returned to finish a fabulous 2nd at Gowran Park today. Tributes have poured in for trainer Tom Taaffe and his remarkable training performance, "Tom has done a really good job to get him back, He's obviously a nice horse and if he were mine I'd be absolutely delighted" remarked Paul Nicholls.