There is an interesting novice chase at Hexham tomorrow with a number of promising types running in the 1.40.
Best Lover missed the whole of last season but has won over hurdles at Hexham. On the credit side the stable are in excellent form but against that Best Lovers hurdles win came on good to firm ground. His trainer reports that he is an exceptional jumper. Bygones of Brid won 3 times over hurdles last season and has the look of a chaser. He is a tough sort and has winning form on heavy ground.
Glenwood Knight is rather a fragile individual but has plenty of ability and has a great pedigree being out of a half sister to Grand National winner Papillion. He was second at Haydock in April over the fixed brush hurdles which indicates that he will handle the ground and that he should have the aptitude for fences. Lord Villez was still a maiden after 20 races in France but has already won 2 of his 3 starts since coming to the UK. His wins came over hurdles at Newcastle and Sedgefield on soft and heavy ground. Graham Lee rides Bygones of Brid in preference to Lord Villez which may be significant. I think that this could be between Bygones of Brid and Glenwood Knight.
Locked Inthepocket is yet to win a race but he has run some decent races and his pedigree indicates that he should improve with time. He was 6th over two miles on his seasonal reappearance at Carlisle last month but should improve both for the run and the extra distance in the Hexham 3.10.
ahorse 