Backbord was a winner for us today while Buffalo Bob, recommended each way, was 2nd at 10/1 so an OK day overall.
There is quite a tricky little handicap hurdle up at Hexham tomorrow. Companero won 3 times over hurdles last season and got off the mark over fences recently at Carlisle. He is back over hurdles tomorrow. He should relish the ground which just can’t be soft enough for him.
Huka Lodge is another mudlark but he does seem high enough in the weights. Tighten Your Belt had some decent form when trained by Venetia Williams but has never won much beyond 2 miles. Two of his wins have come at Towcester though which is a very stiff track. The main threat to Companero may come from the mare Scarvagh Diamond. She is as game as they come and excels in heavy ground. Companero is the selection with Scarvagh Diamond the danger.
My selection in the 1.50 is Warwick is Joker’s Legacy, trained by Victor Dartnall. He won twice in bumpers last season and was only beaten a whisker in a 3rd. He handles soft ground and looks a good prospect.
Chapoturgeon will no doubt be all the rage in the 2.20. He did fall last time though and it might be worth taking him on with Songe. He has some fair hurdles form last season, made an encouraging start over fences when 3rd to Free World, and has AP McCoy in the saddle.
ahorse 