Trainer Fergal O’Brien won the Novices’ Handicap Chase on the corresponding card last year at Ludlow and can land back-to-back renewals with Gallic Warrior (1.10) bidding to concede weight all round under Paddy Brennan. The selection was fourth last month over course and distance on his debut over fences but was backed like a good thing that day and unfortunate to finish as near as he did. The selection was short of room in the closing stages and must go close from an unrevised mark.
A field of six go post for the Mares’ Handicap Hurdle over the minimum trip with Dusky Legend respected at the head of the market for the in-form Alan King yard. The 5-y-o was a runner-up behind the trio of Quinladio, Tara Point and The Govanness in Novices’ Hurdle last term and whilst potentially well-handicapped from a mark of 122 she is overlooked instead for Henry Daly’s Tara Mist (1.40) for double-seeking Paddy Brennan.
The selection finished 20 lengths behind Dusky Legend in a Mares’ Listed Novices’ Hurdle at Taunton in December but progressed thereafter, chasing home Paul Nicholls’ 141-rated As De Mee before belatedly shedding the maiden tag over timber at Perth in the spring. The daughter of Kayf Tara travelled well before tiring on her seasonal reappearance at Wincanton and should be strip fitter to go close on her second start of the campaign.
Rio Milan (2.10) scored on the corresponding card last year and is a fascinating runner in a competitive renewal of the feature Handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles on what could be a red letter day for jockey Paddy Brennan. The selection thrives around Ludlow, with form figures of 12513 at the track, and after an excellent third on his seasonal reappearance over course should remain competitive from a 2lb higher mark.
Sue Smith’s yard remain in tremendous form and after a failed gamble last time out at Sedgefield Wakhan (12.50) can finally come good at Catterick. The selection was backed into favouritism on his season al debut eight days ago should be strip fitter for the reappearance to go close from an unrevised mark. Conditional Jockey Trever Ryan replaces Danny Cook in the plate and is excellent value for his 7lb claim.
It’s hard to remember the last time Paul Nicholls sent a runner to the track but Romain De Senam (1.20) heads a field of nine for the Juvenile Hurdle and can score under teenager Harry Cobden. The 7lb conditional scored aboard Old Guard in the Greatwood Hurdle last month at Cheltenham and can give the Champion Trainer yet further success in a first-time hood and tongue-tie.
Nicholls saddles Steilletto in the Beginners’ Chase over two and a half miles and whilst he is respected preference lies instead with Amore Alato (1.50) on just his second start for trainer Johnny Farrelly. The selection made a pleasing debut over fences last month at Huntingdon, finishing fourth behind Nicholls’ Sametegal, and with the form of that race already franked he scan score under Champion Jockey-elect Richard Johnson.
Just four go to post for the feature at Lingfield with Roger Varian’s Mindurownbusiness (2.30) taken to continue his upward curve in the Conditions Stakes over a mile and a quarter. The Cape Cross colt put in a career-best when breaking the track record last time out at Chelmsford Park and in receipt of weight from both Battalion and Energia Davos, 3lb and 5lb respectively, he is a confident selection to continue his rapid rise up the ranks under Jim Crowley.
There’s twilight action from Kempton where Flying Bear (4.40) can cause something of an upset for the in-form yard of Jeremy Gask. The selection disappointed last time out at Southwell but has been dropped 2lb by the handicapper and returns to his last winning mark of 80. The Gask yard have had three winners from their last five runners over the past fortnight and can build on that further with Flying Bear under Martin Lane.
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