6 FEBRUARY 1971, Page 27

J ULI ETTE'S WEEKLY FROLIC

Two expensive losses at Kempton having devoured my entire profits bar £1, 1 stand in urgent need of a nice, juicy outsider to enliven the account this •weekend, although no generous prices will be offered on the spectacular six-horse field for the Gains- borough Chase (Sandown, Friday). Titus Oates journeys from Penrith, French Tan travels from Ireland, Edward Courage leaves in both Spanish Steps and Royal Relief (though the latter is more likely to wait for the 'Ginger Wine' Chase the following day) and the field is completed by Bighorn and the one they all have to beat. The Dikler. The horse I rely on to succeed in this is French Tan. Runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last March he returned to form with a dazzling twelve lengths• victory from No Other at Punchestown last month.

Saturday's Oteley Hurdle is scheduled to provide a Schweppes/Champion preview in the clash of Persian War and Coral Diver (Bula has been left in, but is an unlikely starter) and the risk of attempting to separate these two does not seem worth the odds likely to be offered. I shall, therefore, forego serious betting on this one and settle for a small flutter on the fluent 'Wills' hero, Chap- man's Peak. Although the star-studded Oteley will have most interest value, in terms of prize money the highlight of the meeting is the £3,175 Stone's Ginger Wine 'Chase 'earlier that afternoon. Royal Relief and Excess have won most support for this con- test, and they, together with the consistent The Laird, must have a great chance, but I prefer a gamble on Carbury's Pride, an easy Ascot winner when carrying an extra 10 lb on his only appearance this season.

Outlay: £13 • fS to win French Tan. £3 e.w. Carbury's Pride and e.w. Chapman's Peak.