Go for a Palace pay-off
Rated 83 when completing a handicap double on the Flat by winning over 10 furlongs at Pontefract in July 2005, the then David Loder-trained son of Grand Lodge was transferred to Sheikh Mohammed’s powerful Godolphin team – but failed to reach the expected standard.
His most recent effort at Windsor in October showed he retained some ability, however, and there must be an excellent chance of him making a winning debut over timber for shrewd trainer Barney Curley.
Punters can also rifle bookmakers’ satchels by supporting Kilmackilloge in the WBX.COM World Bet Exchange Novices’ Handicap Chase at Sedgefield.
Rated 103 over hurdles, this gelding is a fine, big horse who always looked as though he would be better suited to the chasing game.
It was therefore no surprise when he ran out an impressive winner on his chase debut at Kelso just over five weeks ago.
Martin Todhunter’s charge is entitled to have more to offer now with that experience – his first outing for six months – under his belt.
The manner in which he went on from the second to score unchallenged over the trip of two miles and a furlong suggests this sterner test of stamina will be to his liking.
Kilmackilloge did his best work over timber on testing ground so the forecast heavy going in Durham is not a concern.
Haroldini can regain the winning threat in the Experience Nottinghamshire Banded Stakes over seven furlongs at Southwell.
He has returned from a break in fine form on the all-weather this winter – not out of the first two on his last three starts – and represents a stable that has been among the winners recently.
Following a victory in a similar event to this at Wolverhampton, John Balding’s inmate lost nothing in defeat when a close second in a tougher contest over this course and distance on Saturday.
