Good ground forecast at Fakenham for today’s and do note that rail movements add up to a furlong to the advertised distance of the races at the Norfolk track.
Last month’s Lingfield winner Gleno is a short price in the novices’ handicap chase despite the fact that he has little in hand at the revised terms with Rumble B who finished third, but appeared to lug in behind the first two.
The vote, however, goes to Finalshot (1.03) who is entitled to come on for his first start in over 400-days when third at Wincanton over two-and-a-half miles. The selection has yet to prove he stays this extended three-mile trip, but he jumped slightly out to his left on his chase debut and this track should suit. A winner on good ground over hurdles he has the scope to jump a fence and gets a narrow vote.
Midnight Ginger (1.33) has been off the track since finishing fourth in the listed Mares Bumper won by Panic Attack at Market Rasen back in January. The mare had previously scored at Newbury on debut and is the sister to seven winners including William H Bonney and West Cork. She can make a winning start over jumps for trainer Alan King.
Nordican Bleue has refused to line up in her last couple of starts including at Market Rasen back in July. She has ability but is hard to make a case for at present. Midnight’s Gift (2.33) is a C&D winner who has won at listed company and ran well when third at Wetherby last time. She looks sure to have the race run to suit given Getariver looks guaranteed to ensure a decent gallop. The selection gets further than today’s two miles, but the extra distance of the rail movements will help as will the, seemingly, ensured fast pace.
Muilean Na Madog (3.03) jumped right on occasions on his first start for Dan Skelton at Lingfield last week when he faded into third over 2m 4f on soft ground. The selection drops back to the minimum trip on better ground this afternoon but travelled like much the best horse in the race and he can get his head in front if over those exertions. That was the 9-year-olds first start in over 600-days and he is a likely candidate to bounce but he does look potentially very well treated. Note he is also entered at Catterick on Friday which suggests connections want to take advantage of what they perceive to be an attractive mark.
Lingfield had to pass a 2pm inspection on Monday but the forecast is favourable and there must be every chance that the meeting will get the green light. Samson’s Reach (3.11) bounced back to something like his best form when runner up at Newton Abbot last month and he can go one better from the foot of the weights in the handicap hurdle. The selection has been raised a couple of pounds for that effort but he only shoulders 10st today and his trainer can certainly get them ready.
