Belami Des Pictons recorded a career best over 3 miles on heavy going at Warwick 17 days ago and, despite a 10lb rise in the weights, looks to have been found another decent opportunity in the Weatherbys Novices’ Chase (2.40) at Leicester on Tuesday. The French import made a mockery of his previous handicap mark, effortlessly drawing clear to beat Arctic Gold by 22 lengths, and can make it five wins from six starts since joining Venetia Williams in March. The son of Grand Prix de Paris winner Khalkevi won over 2 miles 6½ furlongs on good to soft at Newbury on his penultimate start, so shouldn’t be inconvenienced by dropping back in distance. He can take this en route to his chosen engagement at the Cheltenham, which could be the RSA Chase, for which he’s a 40/1 chance.
Selection: Leicester 2.40 Belami Des Pictons to win