Fleming has high hopes for Velvet Alan Fleming is hoping for a big show from Velvet Maker as he takes a step up in grade in the Klairon Davis Novice Chase at Navan on Saturday. The Barry Connell-owned gelding made a big impression when running out an easy winner on his chase debut at Naas last month and connections have high regard for the French-bred. The six-year-old faces four rivals in the Grade Three contest including three-time winner Lord Scoundrel, who heads the field. "He's in good old form. We're hoping for a good round of jumping and we're hopeful about him. We like him a lot," said Fleming. "It's going to be tough going around there but I'm sure he'll manage it. He won his maiden hurdle on that type of ground at Fairyhouse so it shouldn't inconvenience him. "He gets 6lb off the top horse and it's all going to be a help in that ground."
