Harry Fry is preparing to step Opening Batsman up in class at Kempton
Harry Fry has no qualms about giving Opening Batsman a big test in the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton on Saturday.
Last Updated: 17/02/13 2:39pm
The seven-year-old has had just the three starts over the bigger obstacles, the latest coming in a novice handicap at Wincanton last month.
The Dorset trainer believes Opening Batsman deserves to take his chance in this
valuable three-mile prize against experienced campaigners.
"Obviously we didn't want to run from out of the handicap but with Captain Chris running on Saturday, the weights should be going up," Fry told www.stanjames.com.
"By the sounds of it, What A Friend will end up top-weight. putting us on 10st 5lb, which is a very attractive weight.
"It's a big step up in class but we're a horse going the right way over fences and we'd rather take our chance while we're on the way up than waiting 12 months when the handicapper's got us.
"He's never been better, he's in great form with himself. We think three miles will suit with the ground drying up certainly over the weekend and the beginning of next week.
"I'm really looking forward to him taking his chance in that and I'm expecting him to run a very big race."