2:35, Marie Curie Cancer Care Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m 4f
A competitive field looks set to line up for the second race on the card and plenty will fancy their chances. Last year’s winner Johns Spirit returns to a track he knows well and, despite being 18 lb higher than that victory, looks to have every chance of winning this again if running up to the form that saw him finish fourth at the Festival. Champion Court carries top weight but is now 3 lb lower than his last winning mark and could be a big danger if he gets his own way out in front. The market is currently headed by the Emma Lavelle trained Claret Cloak who was unlucky not to record a win in 2m handicap company back in the spring. He now races beyond 2m 1f for only the second time in his career and there has to be some doubt about his stamina over this extended trip, as well as the potential for overnight rain to ruin his preferred ground conditions. However, one horse who won’t be concerned by the trip or a change in the going is PERSIAN SNOW. Philip Hobbs’ entry had been progressing nicely in handicap company before a below-par effort last time out at the track back in April. That result was probably just a case of one race too many and he should now be seen back to full effect after a long break. Of the remainder, Workbench looks an interesting prospect after a fruitful summer and course winner Ackertac should not be dismissed off his current mark.
Recommended: PERSIAN SNOW – 8/1
3:10, Masterson Holdings Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m 110y
Despite the small field, it looks like a smart bunch of four-year-old’s that’ll line up for this class 2. Both Stephen Hero and Violet Dancer deserve respect, but neither have shown the ability thus far to suggest they can bother the market principals. Tiger Roll surprised a few when winning the Triumph Hurdle on only his third start over hurdles and obviously has to be respected, despite disappointing at Punchestown last time out, but preference has to be for CALIPTO who surely would have got closer to him that day had his stirrup not broke after jumping the second last. Paul Nicholls’ charge also has an 8 lb pull in the weights with the Irish raider and that alone should be enough to give the yard a third successive victory in the race. The only other runner is the Evan Williams trained Ballyglasheen who impressed when winning the Swinton at Haydock back in May and could be a threat if reproducing his best form.
Recommended: CALIPTO – 11/8
Over the sticks 