made all, hit 13th, blundered 3 out, readily
tracked leaders, mistake 12th, ridden 14th, soon lost touch
tracked winner, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression
Although officially the top rated of these over hurdles, Safari Paradise has still yet to win a race since joining Martin Pipe and, although the switch to chasing may be the making of the French-bred gelding, he does not look a reliable proposition so the vote goes to Rodalko. Oliver Sherwood's horses are in good form at present and the selection has already shown a liking for the larger obstacles having made a comfortable winning debut at Worcester before looking the likely winner, when falling four out when eight lengths clear at Kempton last time. Provided that fall has not knocked his confidence, Rodalko looks a safer bet than Safari Paradise. One third place in a Kempton handicap when well backed apart, Martin Pipe's gelding has given little sign of encouragement and was again beaten a long way out at Cheltenham recently. As we have said, the switch to chasing may be the making of the son of Red Paradise but he is hardly a realistic betting proposition. Point-to-point winner Home Made ran with credit until falling three out on his debut over regulation fences at Haydock recently and has to be respected but we prefer to side with Rodalko, who looks the pick on form.
