Nikola poised to get off the mark
The seven-year-old, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, has been placed in all his six races over the bigger obstacles without getting his head in front.
However, his last success over hurdles came at the Midlands track and it might just help his confidence here.
Cathedral Rock can atone for his Huntingdon fall by winning the Dan Frost Memorial Novices’ Chase.
The Nick Gifford-trained six-year-old was sent off the 5-2 favourite to land quite a competitive handicap at the Cambridgeshire venue.
But despite travelling well enough, Cathedral Rock floored favourite-backers after hitting the deck at the 12th obstacle.
He should be forgiven for that blip, however, as the gelding is clearly a decent tool over fences and looked the real deal when scoring at Fakenham on his penultimate start.
The trip and ground look just about ideal for redemption.
Noel Wilson’s Primus Inter Pares is a durable sort and can follow up his recent win at Catterick in the Book Tickets On-Line At catterickbridge.co.uk Handicap Chase back at the North Yorkshire venue.
A winner on the level for James Fanshawe, he has his quirks but also a fair amount of ability.
He beat some good yardsticks last time and can defy a 6lb rise back over the minimum distance.
Joy And Pain is a standing dish at Lingfield and Michael Attwater’s seven-year-old can register win number eight at the Surrey venue.
A winner there three weeks ago, he was far from disgraced when a close third to Count Ceprano last week and can strike in the Try Betdaq For An Exchange Handicap.
That defeat foiled a hat-trick bid but he is still weighted some 10lb below his highest winning mark and is well capable of going in again in his current mood.
Silca Destination finally came good with a narrow victory at Kempton last week.
Now after short-heading Sharps Gold, Mick Channon’s three-year-old can complete a quick double in the Bet Smart – Betdaq Fillies’ Handicap despite a 6lb penalty.
Eoghan O’Neill’s Solaria shaped well on her debut when runner-up to What’s For Tea and will only have to show normal improvement to go one better in the Go Pontin’s This Easter Claiming Stakes.
Her conqueror has gone in again since to give the form a particularly solid look for this sort of company.
