There does seem at least a chance of some racing over the jumps tomorrow so here goes with the first preview for quite a while. From a betting point of view I would recommend a degree of caution as of course we can’t be certain of the level of fitness of the horses after their enforced lay off.
In the opener at Kempton Jonjo O’Neill gives a hurdles debut to Braveheart Move who won 3 times on the flat last season when trained by Sir Mark Prescott. Ex flat horses from the Prescott yard traditionally do well over timber with Inglis Drever being the best example. Tony McCoy has the ride and this 4 year old son of Cape Cross, sire of Sea the Stars, is clearly one to look out for.
The Nicky Henderson trained Mad Max lost his unbeaten record last season when eighth at the Cheltenham Festival in the Ballymore Novices Hurdle but he has always been a chaser in the making and he makes his debut over the larger obstacles in the 12.55 tomorrow. The stable often win with their novice chasers first time out but Mad Max is a real giant of a horse and may take some getting fit. The market should be a guide to his chances.
In the Lanzerote Hurdle at 2.45 Tasheba, a winner on heavy ground at Sandown last time, should give us a run for our money. Aachen and Gee Dee Nen are others with possibilities but I will burden Tasheba with my selection.
Aigle D’Or has been disappointing over fences so far having promised much on the basis of his hurdles form. I am prepared to give him another chance in the 3.15 where there are question marks against quite a few of his rivals.
Tazbar was no match for Long Run at Kempton but meets nothing of that calibre in the 1.20 at Huntingdon tomorrow and he looks the likely winner.
Luska Lad in the 2.20 is my best bet at Naas while in the 3.50 Prince of Milan can go well at a big price.
On the all weather at Lingfield there are only 4 runners in the 3.10 but they don’t lack for experience with a combined age of 32. Eisteddfod usually likes small fields and is not without a chance. There were excuses for his defeat over course and distance last time. On this occasion though I just prefer Atlantic Story who has won 5 times at the track with 3 of these over tomorrow’s distance.
Today’s picture is by kind permission of the artist Katy Sodeau.
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