We’re off to Scotland for a little more action before the Cheltenham Festival and the Morebattle Hurdle, which offers a bonus for landing a double both here and in the County Hurdle a week on Friday. Plus some notable chasers, readying for Aintree, and handicap action at Newbury.
Kelso
False Dawn?
1:45 – Premier Chase (Listed) – Grey Dawning @ 4/7 (General)
Despite him being a short price, I still think Grey Dawning is a cut above Listed level. Him and Iroko too. But the one glaring thing between the two, is we know that Grey Dawning handles three miles, whilst Iroko has only gone at this trip once, and placed in the Mildmay Novice’s Chase. But Grey Dawning is stepping down markedly in grade from the G1 King George VI at Kempton, and it’s clear that this is a prep race for Aintree.
King Of The Castle
2:55 – Premier Novice’s Hurdle (Grade Two) – Castle Carrock @ 4/1 (Unibet)
There was no doubting this Castle Carrock talented beating a long-odds on favourite at Sandown on hurdles debut and won by 3.75L. It may have been a turn up for the books but his first career start in a flat race was won by a huge 16L. This horse is no slouch and representing a Scottish trainer at a Scottish track also marries well. Despite there being a Mullins horse in this contest, it’s clear that we won’t see him at Cheltenham and will need to put up something special to notch up the pecking order.
Despite carrying a penalty, keep an eye out for Dedicated Hero for Sandy Thomson who won the Rossington Main at Haydock in January. It was an eye-catching run that day and is proven at this grade. There is also consistent form behind him with four wins in his last five starts. He also holds course form which is another cap in his feather. Cheltenham may not have been on the plan for Dedicated Hero. This, however, was. 11/1 (General).
Tell Us More
3:30 – Morebattle Hurdle (Premier H’cap) – Tellherthename @ 4/1 (Unibet)
Tellherthename is back after a break and it’s hard to believe that she even ran in the Grade One Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last time, it seems a world away. It’s even harder to believe that she has run in three Grade One’s in her past for starts and that this is her handicap debut. On the bare form alone she should outclass these with more ability and more talent. If she wins this, she cannot be taken lightly in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Looking at the more established handicappers, Florida Dreams represents the famous home colours in prominent Scottish owner Jimmy Fyffe. He started the season off with a short-head win at Hexham followed by a decent fifth in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham. Two under-par efforts have seen hi return to the same winning mark at Hexham. This seems to be a race that has been targeted by Nicky Richards with the aim of Aintree in sight. 11/1 (William Hill, Unibet, Betfred).
At a price, Old Gregorian for Lucinda Russell represents the course and distance candidate. His record, from three starts, is two wins and one runner-up finish. That sort of record can’t be ignored in a handicap particularly coming off the back of a sixth in the Scottish County Handicap Hurdle. Looks attractive as an each-way prospect at 25/1 (William Hill).
Newbury
Tongue Twister
3:45 – BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup Chase (Premier H’cap) – Billytherealbigred @ 9/2 (General)
Billytherealbigred put up a valiant, eye-catching effort last time out at Cheltenham on Trials Day, finishing runner-up at behind stablemate Jagwar. He’s taken to chasing brilliantly and has stable’s claiming jockey Toby Wynne on board, putting him back on the same mark as it was at Cheltenham. Newbury can often suit front-runners and can offer up another great performance.
Scarface is on a competitive mark, now breaching into the 120’s (129). Finished fourth tackling 2m 5F at Ascot last time out and has hit the bar in previous efforts this season. Relatively unexposed at this track, finishing second on only start at this track. With no future entries as of yet, this race will have been in mind now stepping up in trip. 11/1 (William Hill).
