Jump racing this afternoon comes from Sedgefield and Southwell with red-hot Richard Johnson at the latter, riding The Last Bridge (12.15) in the opener after striking up a terrific partnership with the 7-y-o last term. Since being sent over fences the pair have combined to record three wins and a further four seconds, including finishing an excellent runner-up to the well punted Chac Du Cadran on his seasonal reappearance last month at Warwick. The selection boasts form over course and distance, is unbeaten over the extended three miles trip, and is taken to maintain that from a career-high mark of 91.
Johnson can double up with The Tourard Man (1.15) for Alan King, who won the corresponding i three miles novices’ hurdle last term with Sego Success. The selection ran well in a brace of novices’ hurdles; finishing third at Exeter before chasing home the 145-rated chaser Mendip Express last month at Warwick. Mackerye End is a fascinating runner making his debut for Jonjo O’Neill after finishing second in a warm point-to-point in his native Ireland however with the stable struggling for form the Barbury Castle inmate gets the nod.
Jewellery (12.45) failed to see out three miles when running into Southway Star at the track two weeks ago and should appreciate the drop back to two and a half miles in the feature 2m 4f handicap chase. Victor Dartnall’s mare was an impressive winner two starts back when scoring by eight lengths over course and distance and can jump her rivals into submission under talented conditional Paul John, who represents excellent value for his 7lb claim.
Apache Pilot (3.00) was beaten a head in the now infamous void race last week at Sedgefield, following-up last month’s similar effort when narrowly beaten at Hexham however he can belatedly get his head in front at the track in the novices’ handicap chase. The selection should appreciate the step up in trip and can take full advantage of his featherbed weight to shed the maiden tag at the lucky seventh attempt.
David Pipe sends Skylander and Mount Haven (1.00) to the North-East track with the latter fancied to shed the maiden tag over timber under Tom Scudamore. The selection chased home Colin Tizzard‘s subsequent French Furze winner Native River at Stratford back in October, the pair pulling 9l clear of the field. The 5-y-o can continue the excellent form of the Pond House stable and get the better of Donald McCain’s Greensalt, sporting first-time cheek-pieces under regular partner Jason Maguire.
At Wolverhampton Persona Grata (2.10) can maintain her unbeaten record and follow-up her recent maiden success when a game scorer over course and distance in October. The Sir Percy filly won despite greenness, staying on strongly to get her head in front close home, and her opening mark of 70 leaves plenty for trainer Ed Walker to work with.
John Gosden’s Kaufmann disappointed when a beaten favourite last month at Kempton and looks to have it all to do, drawn in stall twelve for the maiden over seven furlongs. The Showcasing colt looks likely to make the market however for Vivre La Reve (3.10) to cause something of an upset under Luke Morris. The Assertive filly is well-drawn in stall three and ran a blinder two starts back over course and distance, beaten 2l behind the 77-rated Goring of Eve Johnston-Houghton. She didn’t handle the track last month at Southwell but looks the ideal type to bounce back under the excellent Morris, who enjoyed a record November with 26 winners providing a +65.89 profit to level stakes.
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