Indien Royal set to reign
He has yet to break his duck for Paul Nicholls and a run of three successive runner-up finishes could set the alarm bells ringing.
But that should not be the case with this ex-French four-year-old. He made a satisfactory debut for the Ditcheat handler behind Kadara at Kempton before coming up against two smart performers in Mughas and Red Wine.
His run against Red Wine at Newbury was particularly commendable as he made a real hash of the fifth flight but stuck to his guns to gallop on behind the winner.
It is hard to knock that form and Indien Royal has a big shout in what is quite a decent contest.
Chief Witness is developing into a useful sort and Noel Chance’s charge can complete a hat-trick in the Systimax SCS Novices’ Hurdle.
The Lambourn trainer sees him as an exciting prospect with chasing in mind but he is doing fine over the smaller obstacles and shapes as though he will relish today’s three-mile trip.
Rainbow River makes plenty of appeal in the Holkham Country Fair 19th & 20th July 2003 Conditional Jockeys’ Maiden Hurdle at Fakenham.
A moderate performer on the Flat, Rainbow River shaped well on his hurdling bow at Market Rasen earlier this month when chasing home Man O’Mystery.
He was sent in pursuit of Man O’Mystery from the second last flight but was always fighting a losing battle and went down by half a length.
Although flattered by his proximity to the cosy winner, the third horse was 14 lengths away and he looks well up to the task today.
At Lingfield, Snuki has a great chance of opening his account for the season in the Bet Direct On Channel 4 Page 613 Claiming Stakes. Gary Moore’s colt scored twice at the Surrey track in December but has failed to add to that record in three starts this year yet showed enough last time out to suggest his turn is near.
