Yesterday’s selection was a very disappointing beaten favourite bringing a nice little winning run to an abrupt end. I will try to do better with tonight’s preview.
The going at Hexham is likely to be on the testing side which will suit the grey Huka Lodge in the 1.50. His best form is on heavy ground and he also comes into this race in good form having won for his new trainer at Carlisle last month. He has won at Hexham before but he has also run badly there on a number of occasions. Gypsy George is another that likes bottomless ground and although he has not run for a long time he has won after a break in the past. Mr Strachan only ran once last season so presumably had a problem of some sort but he has had a wind operation since and I thought put in an encouraging performance when 3rd last month behind Silver By Nature at Carlisle. He has won on heavy ground over hurdles. At the odds my two against the field are Mr Strachan and Gypsy George.
Sir Boreus Hawk had good form in bumpers but always looked a future chase. He ran 3 times over hurdles winning once and goes over fences for the first time in the 2.20 at Hexham. I think he is the sort that could do well in novice chases but I have a slight concern over the ground. A small wager perhaps.
In the 3.20 Patchoulie Conti is the each way selection. A big mare she is gradually improving over fences and should go well at a decent price.
I thought Pause and Clause ran a good race when 4th to Diamond Harry the other week over 3 miles 1. Back over a shorter trip tomorrow he should go close in the 2.20 at Leicester. Finally, in the 3.10 Friendly King has dropped down to what looks a winnable handicap mark.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Alison Wilson.
ahorse 