Off To Alabama CL – 2.20
will not be a surprise if John Mackie’s charge causes another one in the shallow-looking Maiden Hurdle over an extended two miles of ‘good’ Carlisle this afternoon; this Telescope gelding was a 66/1 winner on his debut (in a Wetherby ‘Bumper’) 16 months ago!
Two defeats in similar races followed but last October there was a lot to like about the hurdling debut of Off To Alabama at Uttoxeter when sixth (of 8) in a fast-run ‘dash’ won by strongly-fancied Windsurfer and Diamonds For Luck, a 19 lengths winner next time which, of course, indicates strong, reliable form and particularly so because the favourite Jackpot D’ainey has also raced twice with distinction, winning at Market Rasen on Boxing Day and performing well around grade one track, Sandown,
On this occasion Off To Alabama needs only to replicate his debut mark, after showing up prominently until, understandably weakening in the closing stages, to go close.
No surprise whatsoever if that’s the case because Mackie is a ‘shrewdie’ who has been enjoying success recently, which is most important.
Anyone can spot the obvious in-form horses, digging deeper is the answer to good-priced winners!#
Off To Alabama is worth chancing and indeed following, John is ‘whizz’ on the racing calendar, placing his horses to advantage.
Half an hour later seven line up for a Maiden Hurdle over nigh two and a half miles, it’s dreadful fare because apart from
Cahier’s Den CL – 2.50
half a dozen have to be classed in the ‘useless’ category judged on what whey have shown to date.
Cahier’s Den is the proverbial ‘slam dunk’ under Theo Gillard, riding for his boss, Donald McCain, a genuine Northern ‘winning machine’ who, along with dual-champion jockey, Brian Hughes, is a regular in my selections panel.
Running in tandem will be a Pontefract turf-flat fixture, first of the 2025 season at the popular South Yorkshire course; it looks difficult and so further attention is focused on evening action on Southwell Tapeta which shouldn’t pose any problems for 71-rated, Charles Hills’
Alondra SO – 6.30
one of only two TH fancies in the 10-runner Maiden Stakes over five furlongs; consistent, hitherto luckless Radio Star is the other and it should be fun!
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