Nap of the Day: Theatre the Man to back on Saturday

It was ambitious to run with a 10/1 Nap on Friday, but I was proved right about the price at least, for the selection was very well-backed throughout the day.

Ultimately, though, it didn't pay off and so I'm reverting to the norm and sharing a shorter-priced Nap of the Day for consideration on Saturday.

Seven months ago, Richard Bandey's THEATRE MAN was sent off 10/3 favourite for the Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but the dream didn't last long as the eight-year-old son of Ocovango fell at the third fence.

He earned such quotes after three highly-promising efforts in defeat over the bigger obstacles, starting with his second to Inch House at Newbury in November. That rival is now 16lbs higher than when getting 12 from the selection.

His subsequent third to Brave Kingdom is fine form also, while his second to Ryanair runner-up Ginny's Destiny here at Cheltenham early this year doesn't need any talking up.

You can forget his final run of the season, back over hurdles in a Grade 3 handicap at Aintree's Grand National meeting. There's a very high likelihood that was simply an ambitious attempt to capitalise on a potentially lower mark while retaining his novice status for the current campaign.

So, his chasing career begins gets back on track at HQ on Saturday, in a six-runner novices' chase over an extended three miles.

Racing isn't always this simple, but ratings suggest Theatre Man should have no problems beating the three at the foot of the market - namely Transmission, Bowtogreatness and Moon D'Orange.

The former makes his debut in this sphere and would have to step up significantly on his hurdles form, while Bowtogreatness has to put a couple of very disappointing efforts behind him.

Moon D'Orange can't be ruled out after a promising start in this discipline at Punchestown just 10 days ago, but this is a mile further and again, he has to progress.

That leaves Hyland and Yeats Star, for Nicky Henderson and Gordon Elliott respectively, as his main dangers.

Both carry five-pound penalties and I have doubts either can defy it. Elliott's runner won a rather modest event at Listowel last time out, while Hyland struggled off 142 when last seen and Henderson's yard haven't made the greatest start to the season.

If anywhere near fully fit, I strongly fancy Theatre Man to oblige and 2/1 looks excellent value.

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