Dry day forecast but Lingfield failed an afternoon inspection on Monday. No such problems at Fakenham, however, where the ground was described as good for today’s card. Do note that rail movements add up to a furlong to the advertised distance of the races at the Norfolk track.
Last month’s Lingfield winner Gleno is a short price in the novices’ handicap chase despite the fact that he has little in hand at the revised terms with Rumble B who finished third, but appeared to lug in behind the first two.
The vote, however, goes to Finalshot (1.03) who is entitled to come on for his first start in over 400-days when third at Wincanton over two-and-a-half miles. The selection has yet to prove he stays this extended three-mile trip, but he jumped slightly out to his left on his chase debut and this track should suit. A winner on good ground over hurdles he has the scope to jump a fence and gets a narrow vote. The opening 5/1 with William Hill looked too big and the ew selection is 4/1.
Midnight Ginger (1.33) has been off the track since finishing fourth in the listed Mares Bumper won by Panic Attack at Market Rasen back in January. The mare had previously scored at Newbury on debut and is the sister to seven winners including William H Bonney and West Cork. She can make a winning start over jumps for trainer Alan King. There was 9/4 available when betting opened but the mare is into 13/8 frrom 7/4 with BetVictor.
Nordican Bleue has refused to line up in her last couple of starts including at Market Rasen back in July. She has ability but is hard to make a case for at present. Midnight’s Gift (2.33) is a C&D winner who has won at listed company and ran well when third at Wetherby last time. She looks sure to have the race run to suit given Getariver looks guaranteed to ensure a decent gallop. The selection gets further than today’s two miles, but the extra distance of the rail movements will help as will the, seemingly, ensured fast pace. The 5s looked too big and the mare is 10/3 with Boylesports.
Muilean Na Madog (3.03) jumped right on occasions on his first start for Dan Skelton at Lingfield last week when he faded into third over 2m 4f on soft ground. The selection – 6/4 from 9/4 with William Hill – drops back to the minimum trip on better ground this afternoon but travelled like much the best horse in the race and he can get his head in front if over those exertions.
That run was the 9-year-olds first start in over 600-days and he is a likely candidate to “bounce” but he does look potentially very well treated. Note he is also entered at Catterick on Friday which suggests connections want to take advantage of what they perceive to be an attractive mark.
