Can Welsh wizard Christian Williams work his magic again with Pileon?

Friday: 3.00 Exeter
Betway 'Challenger' Stayers' Handicap Chase (Challenger Staying Chase Series Qualifier) | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

In the last five seasons Christian Williams has a three per cent strike-rate in bumpers, is six per cent over hurdles but weighs in at 15 per cent in chases and it evidently shouldn't be a surprise that Pileon is sent back over fences now he makes his debut for the Glamorgan yard.

Pileon couldn't jump when having two runs over fences for Philip Hobbs two years ago and didn't beat a rival. However, Hobbs is the opposite to Williams in that he has a higher strike-rate with hurdlers (17 per cent) than chasers (15 per cent) over the last five seasons.

If anyone can unlock Pileon's potential as a chaser it will be the Welsh wizard Williams, and there is no doubt Pileon is well treated on his hurdles form. He is 5lb lower over fences.

It would be ironic were Hobbs the trainer to saddle the horse to beat Pileon and that isn't out of the question. Hobbs has had three winners and one placed from eight runners in this race in the last ten seasons and runs chasing debutant Masters Legacy.

His dam is an unraced half-sister to a chase winner, so he is bred to excel over fences, and he was a huge drifter on his seasonal reappearance in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow. He opened at 8-1 but returned at 14-1, and that suggests not a lot was expected after a 203-day absence.

Maybe that was just a pipe-opener and better can be expected with the run under his belt.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

Buster Bellamy

Jockey Tom Bellamy is well placed to surpass last season's career-best tally and Minella Buster could put another on the board after a return success at Kempton.

Bellamy passed the half-century mark last term but has already ridden 21 winners this season at a 15 per cent strike-rate. He was aboard Minella Buster when the six-year-old made a successful chasing debut last month and Bellamy is hopeful there is more to come from the Emma Lavelle-trained gelding.

Tom Bellamy: partners Minella Buster at ExeterCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Bellamy said: "Minella Buster was very impressive at Kempton where the race completely fell apart. The favourite fell early and after that it wasn't a strong race, but you couldn't help but be impressed with how he did it. We always thought he'd be a better chaser than hurdler and he proved it that day.

"I wouldn't be too worried if it rained – he just doesn't want extremes of ground. All is in place for another good run, and even though he's up 9lb I think he'll run very well."

What they say

Joe Tizzard, trainer of Killer Kane and Sizing Cusimano
I'd like to think Killer Kane will be competitive off his mark and climb up the handicap. A strong two and a half to three miles is ideal and this looks the right race for him before we look at something at the Coral Gold Cup meeting at Newbury. Sizing Cusimano has a bit to prove but we're claiming off him.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of When You're Ready
He wasn't quite right after his last run last year but seems to be in good shape now and he would have a good each-way shout.

David Brace, trainer of Gats and Co
He ran a nice comeback when third at Chepstow the other day and must have another each-way chance depending on how strong the race is. If they get some rain down there it wouldn't bother him.

Jackie Du Plessis, trainer of St Erney
We've had this race in mind for him for a while as he won it last year. He's 11 now but doesn't show any signs of ageing and he goes there nice and fresh as he did a year ago. It looks a more competitive race this time but he's at the right end of the handicap and hopefully can run well again.
Reporting by David Milnes

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