Three wins from 9 runs last year. Latest win at Newcastle in October. 16/1, creditable fifth of 11 in handicap at Southwell (16.5f) before rare below-par effort on final start for Gay Kellaway. First run for new yard on comeback today.
Latest win at Hamilton (13f) in May and posted easily his best effort since when second of 9 in handicap (9/2) at this course (16.6f) in November collared final 50 yds. Not disgraced over hurdle two weeks ago and one to be interested in again on the back of that.
C&D winner who opened his account for the year in 7-runner handicap at this course (16.6f) but wasn't on a going day (jockey said horse never travelling) last month when seventh of 10 over this C&D. Was strong in the betting that day, so clearly better was expected and could bounce back.
Often slowly away. Improved on recent efforts to win handicap at Lingfield in November. Held his form when back up in trip (fourth of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (15.8f) and again when finishing well from off the pace having dwelt at start at Southwell (12.1f) last week. Course winner can go well.
Temperamental for Eve Johnson Houghton but thrived for a yard switch last term, winning 3 of his 5 starts on the Flat. Minor promise in couple of hurdle outings in the autumn but disappointing on two most recent flat outings following wind surgery.
Confirmed return to form when fifth of 11 in handicap at Lingfield (15.8f, AW) but appeared to have very little in hand from this mark when last of 5 in handicap at Southwell (16.5f) 14 days ago.
First run since leaving Michael Bell when last of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (14f slowly away) and below-par again when 66/1, sixth of 8 in handicap at Newcastle (12.4f) 18 days ago.
Below par over longer trip here in October but had made the frame in five of six most recent starts, latest when second of 5 in handicap at this C&D 42 days ago. Cheekpieces back on and warrants respect.
Good second of 11 (1½m) at beginning of month and successful on first run after leaving Hilal Kobeissi 8 days ago (Southwell 14.1f) slowly away, travelled smoothly and won easily. That was his trainer's first winner as sole licensee, and this could be win number two. Big player.
|
Forecasts
Currumbin (7/4), Two Auld Pals (5/1), Destinado (6/1), Green Team (8/1), Percy Jones (10/1), Bulldog Spirit (12/1), Le Rouge Chinois (12/1), Haaland (12/1), Mount Olympus (12/1), Banderas (33/1)
CURRUMBIN won with authority on stable debut eight days ago and he can follow up under a penalty. Consistent-performer Destinado should be thereabouts along with Two Auld Pals who ran well here on his last Flat outing.