'Lovely horse' Fugitif shines on chase debut for Richard Hobson

Friday: Worcester

Fugitif looks set to make his mark over fences after the six-year-old cruised to an impressive success on his chasing debut under Nick Scholfield.

The 11-2 chance delivered a commanding performance in the 2m½f novice handicap chase, making all for a nine-and-a-half-length win and confirming the potential seen by trainer Richard Hobson.

"We were very confident going into the race," Hobson said. "We couldn't wait to get him over fences, we just had to give it time until he was mature enough because of his size.

"He summered well which he needed and he's just a lovely horse that's won off a big weight, so it's onwards and upwards really."

Hobson is focused on charting a cautious path through the season for Fugitif but the winter weather will play into his favour after scoring in heavy ground in February.

"He's still maturing and wants it softer than this. We'll let him progress bit by bit and hopefully the handicapper doesn't lump 10lb on him," Hobson said. "He's one of a few we're really looking forward to seeing how they improve through the season."

Drop delivers

Lime Drop provided trainer Henry Daly his first success at Worcester in over 14 years as the 7-1 shot landed the 2m mares' handicap hurdle under Tom O'Brien.

The Shropshire-based trainer lives only an hour from Worcester but saddled just 62 runners in that period, with the five-year-old ending the drought when gaining a first success.

Results, replays and analysis

18+. Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal and some deposit and bet types excluded. Minimum first £10 bet within 14 days of account registration at min odds of 1-2 = 3x £10 free bets. Free bets valid for seven days. Stake not returned. No cash-out. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. Sign up here.