Stephen Welch's NAP of the Day (9th March)
2 minutes Today's NAP returns to a track and trip where he has already proven highly effective.
3:40 Taunton
DragonBet The Roar Before Cheltenham Dragonboosts Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
KAP VERT - 6/4
Kap Vert looks well placed to resume winning ways in this competitive Class 3 handicap chase having shaped with considerable promise in a stronger contest at Ascot last time. The six-year-old finished fourth over three miles that day but the bare result does not quite tell the full story, as he was doing his best work late from off the pace in a race that has already produced multiple subsequent winners.
That effort confirmed the promise he showed when winning over this course and distance earlier in the season, where he travelled strongly before asserting late on to record his first success over fences. Taunton clearly suits his style of racing and the ability to conserve energy before finishing strongly is often a major asset around this tight track.
Philip Hobbs and Johnson White appear to hold a strong hand in the race with stablemate Royal Jewel also respected after winning over course and distance last month. Kelce arrives in good form following a Musselburgh success and cannot be dismissed despite a rise in the weights, while veteran Hold Your Fort has the class to feature if returning in the same form as earlier in the season.
However, Kap Vert remains relatively lightly raced over fences, has already proven himself around this track and still looks capable of improving from his current mark. The drop of 1lb following his Ascot effort could prove significant and if building on that strong piece of form he should prove very hard to beat.
Verdict: With proven C&D form, strong recent form in a race that has worked out well and further improvement likely over fences, KAP VERT looks the most solid option and earns the vote as today's NAP.
