LiveScore Racing Preview: Fontwell, March 9, 2022
Racing returns to the Sussex venue of Fontwell on Wednesday afternoon for a seven-race card.
The action begins at 1pm and will run through to the finale at 4.25pm, with official going described as good to soft, good in places.
And we have picked out five horses for you to follow.
1pm - Virgin Bet Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase (2m3½f)
Hurdles winner BLACK GERRY has had two appearances over fences and he took a big step forward from his debut when he finished third of 10 runners at Chepstow (2m3½f) last time out.
Gary Moore's runner is rated 11lb higher over hurdles and there is likely to be more to come from this horse over timber.
He has just three rivals to beat here in what looks a good opportunity for him.
LiveScore selection: Black Gerry
1.30pm - Virgin Bet Free Bets For Winners Novices' Hurdle (2m5½f)
WHYDAH GALLY got off the mark at Wincanton (2m4f) on his penultimate outing, having been prominent throughout that contest.
Once the field reached the closing stages, Colin Tizzard's hurdler stretched away from his rivals, eventually scoring by six lengths.
The six-year-old was unable to follow up at Sandown as he came down at the final hurdle.
That mistake can be forgiven here and while he is stepping up in trip slightly, he should appreciate the stiffer test.
LiveScore selection: Whydah Gally
2.05pm - Cazoo Handicap Chase (2m2f)
A C&D success was recorded by MASTER MALCOLM here earlier this year when he was on the right side of a close finish, prevailing by a short head.
The five-year-old old appreciated the better conditions as his two previous appearances prior to that win came on heavy ground.
The handicapper has reacted to that maiden success by putting Emma-Jane Bishop's runner up 4lb in the ratings.
It seems a very fair rise and one in which he can defy to double his win tally over fences.
LiveScore selection: Master Malcolm
2.40pm - Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle (2m3f)
ISLAND RUN made a mistake at his last obstacle at Wincanton (1m7f) back in January but it was not enough to stop him from breaking his maiden.
Philip Hobbs' gelding was very green in the closing stages of that race, which is unsurprising given it was just his fourth career start.
The five-year-old should take another step forward here.
He clearly has ability, so if he draws upon the experience he has now, he could take some beating on his handicap debut from this lenient opening mark.
LiveScore selection: Island Run
3.50pm - Virgin Bet Fives Mares' Novices' Handicap Chase (3m2f)
After victories at Chepstow (2m7½f) and Huntingdon (2m7½f), ELEANOR BOB comes into this race bidding to complete a hat-trick.
It was another comfortable success for the mare last time, with her four lengths clear of the field when crossing the finish line.
Venetia Williams' runner is now stepping up in trip. And despite a 6lb rise to defy, the extra distance may see her improve once again.
LiveScore selection: Eleanor Bob