Nap of the Day: Return to fences key for Boston Joe

There are three cards in Britain and Ireland for punters to peruse on Sunday, and we have a host of interesting action. Grade 1 winner Champ Kiely and Arkle runner-up Only By Night help form a high-class field for the Grade 3 Barberstown Castle Chase (15:02) at Naas.

Meanwhile, in Britain, we have a competitive-looking veterans’ chase (15:15) to solve at Sandown and a seven-race card at Ffos Las to enjoy. The meeting at Ffos Las is where I have focused on for the Nap of the Day, though, as a course specialist returning to fences catches the eye in the 2m handicap chase (14:50).

14:50 Ffos Las – Boston Joe @ 2/1

The fitness of a horse is always a huge factor in deciding results in the winter months, with so many runners making their reappearances, and having a run under your belt can be a big advantage.

That will be the thinking of Rebecca Curtis, who gave BOSTON JOE a spin over hurdles on his seasonal return at this track last month, despite the fact that he’s never won a race in seven attempts in that sphere.

The nine-year-old caught the eye with a bold showing that day, though, rallying well under pressure to finish third after a far-from-fluent jump at the last. He was without the tongue-tie and cheekpieces worn on his previous start, too.

Six of his seven rivals lining up in the 2m handicap chase are having their first start since at least July, so their fitness will have to be taken on trust, which could prove beneficial to Boston Joe.

That run over hurdles should have teed him up nicely for the return to fences, a discipline in which he is a five-time winner from 17 starts as opposed to 0-7 over hurdles. He was also dropped 1lb for his reappearance effort, which can only help matters.

14:50 Ffos Las Odds

His last run over course and distance saw him bolt up by 20 lengths from a mark 1lb higher than he runs off today, which was his third success over the track and trip, all of which have come in comfortable fashion.

He has achieved his five best Racing Post Ratings with some ease underfoot, including when second at this track on soft ground, so conditions are unlikely to be an issue either.

Ben Jones, who has been on board for his last three wins, takes over from a 5lb claimer, which looks like a sign of intent, and the rider could hardly be in better form. Since the start of October, he has ridden 16 winners from 60 rides for a fantastic 27% strike-rate.

The tongue-tie that Boston Joe has worn for four of his five wins is back in place, which is a positive, so everything looks set fair for him to land a fourth win at this track.

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