Side with Shannon
He was successful over fences once last term but despite running some good races so far this season, he has failed to get his head back in front.
Beaten just over six lengths behind Hakim at Aintree last month, he followed that with a bitterly disappointing effort on heavy going at Wetherby last time out, dropping tamely away from five out.
Hopefully it was just case of having a bad day at the office for the nine-year-old and he may well bounce back to top form today.
Unbeaten since finishing third in a Plumpton bumper on his racecourse debut, Its A Dream is fancied to complete a four-timer by winning Newbury’s Betdaq.co.uk Introductory Novices’ Hurdle.
Facing the same distance on his hurdling bow at Sandown nearly four weeks ago, he forged clear from the second-last to score by a very easy 15 lengths.
Clearly a useful prospect, Its A Dream should be capable of defying the inevitable penalty on his way to better things.
Le Jaguar can follow up on his recent success at Ludlow in the Stan James Mandarin Handicap Chase over three miles.
Following a couple of decent efforts over marathon distances in better company, Le Jaguar gained a deserved success when stepping back to an extended three miles and one furlong at Ludlow.
He seemed set to record an easy success when hitting the front on the turn for home, but a couple of errors took their toll and gave the runner-up a second chance.
To his credit, Le Jaguar refused to accept second-best and, having been raised only 4lb due to the narrow winning margin, is clearly capable of completing a double.
Stepping up to an extended two miles and six furlongs should suit Tiger Tips Lad and he appeals as a likely winner of the eliteracingclub.com Novices’ Handicap Chase.
