Back Craic for first success
Nicky Henderson’s charge has faced impossible tasks in his three outings over fences so far – coming up against highly-rated rivals in each of them.
Pulled-up when losing a shoe on his chasing debut in a race won by 130-rated The Luder, he then did all that could be expected of him when second to 137-rated hurdler Il Duce at Taunton and 156-rated hurdler Dom D’Orgeval at Fakenham.
There is nothing of that calibre in opposition here, so Back For The Craic should be able to take full advantage and earn a deserved first success.
A double penalty might not be enough to prevent Skippers Brig from completing a hat-trick in the EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier).
Since unseating Keith Mercer on his hurdling bow at Newcastle in November, Len Lungo’s charge has impressed on heavy ground at Ayr and Haydock.
However, Skippers Brig needs plenty of give underfoot – something he will certainly get here.
Barton Sun has been running well in defeat this term and can break his maiden in the Springfield Motor Group Novices’ Handicap Chase at Newcastle.
Although connections must be frustrated by his inability to get his head in front, he showed enough promise over course and distance earlier this month to suggest his turn is near.
Narrowly outgunned by Young Smokey on that occasion, he will never get a better chance on his return to Gosforth Park to find the winner’s enclosure.
Spot The Subbie has benefited for his move to Jamie Poulton’s yard and is fancied to complete a double in the pontinsbingo.com Handicap at Lingfield.
He rarely ran a bad race in defeat last season, especially when finishing third over seven furlongs on his British debut at this venue in December – a race which left the distinct impression further would suit.
His connections were clearly of the same opinion as he reappeared over a mile at Kempton earlier this month and left a dozen rivals trailing in his wake.
Such superiority has not gone unnoticed by the authorities – as evidenced by an 8lb hike in the weights – but Spot The Subbie might yet be capable of holding his own in better company.
