12:40
A difficult Novice hurdle but there are 2 horses who stand out on form. BALKEO had some nice form when he was trained by Manon Scandella-Lacaille and looks to be a nice recruit for the Donnelly’s and Nicky Henderson. Whilst SHALLWEHAVEONEMORE was a fair 4th in the Tolworth here behind Constitution Hill last month and should find this an easier assignment.
1:15
The key piece of form for this race appears to be a Handicap Chase here on the 8th January, when GUNSIGHT RIDGE got the better of BUN DORAN. The ground conditions are different and the latter gets a 4lb swing at the weights, but the pair pulled 9-lengths clear of the rest and should go well again.
1:50
A decent renewal of the Contenders Hurdle this year. Going right-handed should suit GOSHEN, though he is obviously risky at this stage after his antics at Lingfield, so it is also worth including GLOBAL CITIZEN, who ran well behind Tommy’s Oscar last time. GUARD YOUR DREAMS holds some of these from his win in the International Hurdle in December and should appreciate the stiff finish here.
2:20
On level weights it is very hard to oppose L’HOMME PRESSE. Venetia Williams 7-year-old is a perfect 3 from 3 over fences and the level of form he has achieved is significantly better than his 4 rivals.
2:55
This race looks like being a placepot buster so we may need several perms to get through this. GREEN BOOK was unlucky to get unseated so early in the Lanzarote last time and is worth forgiving on ground he should appreciate. ORBYS LEGEND has won 4 of his 6 starts over hurdles and a 5lb rise for his Boxing Day success at Wincanton could have been worse. DANS LE VENT had far too much to do when 5th at Kempton and he should go close with a more prominent ride, whilst CALL ME LORD is a much better horse going right-handed and needs including after an improved effort last time.
3:30
It is less than 2-years since REAL STEEL finished 6th in a Cheltenham Gold Cup. He should appreciate this drop in class and the good ground should be in his favour. KAPCORSE also makes a lot of appeal after an impressive win at Newbury before Christmas.
