Fine Form
Nemean Lion WD – 3.00
can take a starring role on the opening day of the Winter Millions meeting by landing the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hurdle at Windsor.
The eight-year-old is a dual Grade Two winner and twice tried his luck at the highest level last term, finishing down the field in both the Champion Hurdle and Aintree Hurdle over two and a two and a half miles respectively.
Dropped back to handicap level for his seasonal bow, he ran a creditable race in defeat at Sandown when conceding plenty of weight to winner Knickerbockerglory over two miles, before again having to give upwards of 26lb at Hereford before Christmas.
In lesser company and upped half a mile, Nemean Lion ran out an easy five-and-a-half-length victor, boosting him back to a mark of 150 which puts him right in the mix on official ratings.
With the ground in his favour over the longer trip, Kerry’s Lee charge can make his presence felt.
Those that keep faith with
Caldwell Potter WD – 1.50
can be rewarded in the Fitzdares Lightning Novices’ Chase.
Paul Nicholls’ big-money recruit looked the star his price tag suggested on his fencing bow at Carlisle on December 1, but turned out again at Cheltenham 12 days later he came unstuck, albeit in much better company.
Tried beyond two miles for the first time, he actually ran well enough for a long way but was under pressure when making a mistake two out before dropping away up the famous hill.
Dropped back to two miles here, Caldwell Potter can get back on track.
Panic Attack WD – 2.25
goes the other way as she moves back up in trip for the Lets Bet Personal With Fitzdares Mares’ Handicap Chase.
Third over an extended two miles over hurdles last time, she was staying on all the way to be beaten six and a quarter lengths and the extra half a mile and return to fences can help her cause.
Secret Squirrel WD – 3.35
can atone for a late departure at Ascot before Christmas by winning the Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle.
Hughie Morrison’s charge is a popular runner due to his striking looks and he gave his supporters a good run for their money in an Ascot Grade Three last month, forcing the early pace and taking the lead with two to jump.
While he was overhauled and looked booked for a place at best when coming down at the final obstacle, it was a good run in a hot contest and he remains capable off his current mark.
A veterans’ contest at Cheltenham last month could prove a crucial piece of form at Market Rasen.
Eldorado Allen MR – 2.35
finished a four-and-a-quarter-length third in Numitor in that event over a two-and-a-half-mile trip that is really very much on the short side for Joe Tizzard’s 11-year-old.
Back up to three miles for the Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase delayed from Sandown a couple of weeks ago, Eldorado Allen can strike gold for the first time since winning the 2022 Denman Chase.
The aforementioned
Numitor MR – 1.25
is also in action at the Lincolnshire track, in the Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase. He is on a hat-trick after also winning at Wincanton in October and a 4lb rise might not be enough to arrest his progress.
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