Kingston Lane is a big chasing type that won a couple of bumpers at Chepstow last season before finishing down the field in the Cheltenham Championship Bumper. He returns to Chepstow tomorrow where he makes his hurdles bow in the 12.25. He looks capable of winning over hurdles before tackling the larger obstacles but may want a stiffer test of stamina and soft ground to show his best.
It is difficult to avoid tipping a Paul Nicholls runner in just about every race as the season looks in danger of becoming Nicholls versus the rest! He has a bit of a dark horse in the 1.30 in the ex French Hivikos. This 5 year old was placed a couple of times in his native country over hurdles and has had a breathing operation. I think he is likely to go well.
Nicto de Beauchene was travelling well when coming to grief at Towcester. He runs in the 2.05 at Chepstow tomorrow and this brother to a Welsh National winner might be worth following. He is another that might be best on testing ground.
Sullomo was a dual winner on the flat in Germany and has gone on to win twice over hurdles, both at Bangor, since joining Charlie Mann. He looks a progressive type and may be able to add to his hurdles tally off his current mark. Likely to be at his best when the mud is flying he runs in the Chepstow 2.40.
There is a fascinating handicap chase at Huntingdon (2.15) where Big Rob is going for a hat trick of wins. He clearly likes Huntingdon and he is not too badly handicapped on his best form. He wouldn’t want the ground too soft and as long as he gets conditions to suit he must be in with a good chance. His stable has had a couple of winners in the last few days. Master Medic won a novice chase at Fontwell 17 days ago and as a result is on a mark of 123 for his handicap debut which seems a bit harsh. With only 2 runs over fences he does have scope for improvement. Fast ground is apparently important to him. Another one to consider is Migwell who is a course and distance winner and comes from a stable that has been in good form.
Tartak is my selection in the 3.25 at Huntingdon. He was a consistent performer in France never finishing out of the first 3 on his completed races. Since joining Tom George he has only run once when he was an easy winner of a small novice chase at Newton Abbot. He looks the sort that could run up a sequence. He is however untried on fast ground.
There are two runners from my list to follow in the 7.50 at Kempton. Ajhar won a handicap at this track over 1 furlong shorter than tomorrow’s trip and then went on to finish 3rd in a Group 3 at Ascot. He was behind Sixties Icon and Folk Opera that day which is fair form. We know he acts on the surface and he certainly has an each way chance. Trainer Geoff Wragg is retiring at the end of the season so it would be nice if Arthur’s Girl, were to win this. On a line through Folk Opera however she has a fair bit to find with Ajhar who gets my each way selection.
The top picture is by Lisa Miller and the bottom one by Katy Sodeau. My thanks to both artists for allowing me to use their work.
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