Fine Form
On the eve of the Cheltenham Festival,
More Coko PL – 2.30
can boost the coffers and maintain his flawless record when he travels to Plumpton for the Thank You Plumpton Members “National Hunt’’ Novices’ Hurdle.
It might be a portent of what is to come over the next few days, for the five-year-old is trained by Willie Mullins, was bred by his wife Jackie and will be ridden by son Patrick as he continues in his quest to ride a winner at each British track.
More Coko was a smart bumper winner last August and has made a lovely start to his hurdling career, winning both attempts by good margins earlier in the year.
He now steps up in trip, a move which his pedigree suggests will be no trouble, and is of obvious interest on his British foray.
At Stratford, who can expect a good pre-Festival crowd, Mel Rowley’s
Analiese ST – 1.50
can take the next step in the Dragonbet Oncourse And Online Juvenile Hurdle.
The four-year-old filly is clearly held in some regard as she made her debut at Listed level at Doncaster in January – and although she was well beaten, it is indicative of the faith connections have in her.
She headed to Hereford for her next start in February, this time for a fillies’ maiden event over two miles against 10 rivals.
There she showed plenty of promise on only her second experience of a racecourse, winning by an easy six lengths despite a final-flight error that reduced that margin somewhat.
She ran as though a step up in trip would suit her, and that is exactly what she will get at Stratford as the contest is run over an extended two miles and two and a half furlongs.
At Taunton, it is Harry Fry’s
High Fibre TA – 2.40
who looks set to prevail in the DragonBet – Oncourse And Online Maiden Hurdle.
The six-year-old had an extensive Flat career with Ralph Beckett and then Fry, after which he switched to hurdling, making a solid start when third on debut at Wincanton in October.
He then contested a course and distance event in early January, coming home the runner-up despite a stumble on the landing side of the final hurdle.
His next start resulted in a remote third place in a Kempton maiden, but back at Taunton and with a good deal more experience than some rivals, he can put that behind him.
On the Flat at Newcastle, there will be plenty of interest in
Commanding Prince NC – 7.00
in the BetMGM: It’s Showtime Novice Stakes run over a mile.
Archie Watson’s four-year-old is a son of Too Darn Hot and is out of a Group Two winner called Khawlah, the dam of Derby winner Masar.
On his debut last month, the gelding was beaten a head into second by Tom Clover’s Surrey Shadow in a green run from which there should be plenty of experience gained.
Leave a Reply