Straw Bear

Straw Bear made a very pleasing chasing debut in the Best Mate Beginners Chase at Exeter today. He was always travelling strongly, but jumped his fences a little slowly under AP McCoy. He was around 5 lengths behind Pasco and Sir Harry Ormesher, but stayed on strongly to finish second by 1/2 a length. He will no doubt be better for his first run in 200 days and for his chasing experience. McCoy definitely did not try to his full extent, but was maybe trying not to make him fall from going too quickly into the fence. One to watch, and 20/1 for the Arkle looks a tempting price. 

The Nightingale took a horrible stumble when looking a sure winner after jumping the last in the lead, this gifted the win to Alan King's favourite Shalone.  The Tother One made a good start to his chasing career when winning the beginners chase from Gone To Lunch by 1 and 3/4 lengths. Those two were well clear of the rest of the field so could be worth noting. 

J