Charm should be lucky for punters
The seven-year-old was a classy hurdler last term, finishing thereabouts in any number of smart events, and he certainly looks to be getting the hang of fencing now.
Eric’s Charm suffered what trainer Oliver Sherwood called an “x-rated” fall on his debut at Lingfield but the gelding obviously took plenty from the experience as he put in a fine display of jumping at Folkestone to beat Hirvine by three length, showing his mettle by digging deep when it mattered. Progressing with every run, he looks primed to take the gg.com Novices’ Chase before going on to a crack at better things, possibly at the Cheltenham Festival.
Dusky Warbler is an interesting newcomer for Gary Moore in the opening Nomad Novices’ Hurdle. The six-year-old was a decent stayer on the Flat for Michael Bell and although he only won twice, he was in the frame on more than one occasion at Group and Listed level.
Dusky Warbler was last seen in action when fifth in a Listed race at Maisons-Laffitte in October but Moore reports him to be in fine form and schooling well.
It would be foolish to ignore him on his debut for a yard which knows the time of day.
La Perrotine came up against a good one in Sweet Ard at sWetherby last time but compensation awaits as she makes her hurdling debut for Howard Johnson. She had previously won at Hexham and has the scope to play a leading role in the Heather Parker Novices’ Hurdle, as she steps up markedly in trip.
