Garleton won at Hexham on his seasonal reappearance and returns to that track tomorrow for the Northumberland National over 4 miles at 2.20. He won twice over fences last season and has had a wind operation since. He jumps well in the main but his better form has been on good ground and there may be a question mark over his ability to handle testing conditions over such a marathon trip. I will stick with him although the ground is a concern.
Bakkybriggan won a bumper last season at Wetherby when he was trained by Victor Dartnall. He has changed stables since and John Quinn runs him at Market Rasen in the novice hurdle at 12.40. He looked to have plenty of potential when winning his bumper.
Nirvana Swing has finished runner up on his last two starts and deserves to get his head in front. He runs in the 2.10.
Picaroon won at Market Rasen last Boxing Day but disappointed when he next visited the Lincolnshire track in the summer. His last run when 5th to Harry Tricker at Sandown was not a bad effort and he is worth considering in the 2.40. In the same race Friendly King, a winner at Fakenham last season, does not look on a bad mark. This is a tricky race with the likely favourite River Logic from a stable bang in form. I am going to take a chance with the outsider Friendly King.
At Clonmel Fionnegas comes into the 12.35 with a 100% record. He looks a progressive sort and is difficult to oppose.
My thanks to David Hebb for use of his photo of “the betting jungle” at Market Rasen.
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