Henderson up for the craic
Nicky Henderson made just the one entry at Leicester tomorrow and Back For The Craic can justify his trainer’s confidence by repeating last month’s recent course and distance success.
The eight-year-old showed he had benefited from his seasonal reappearance two weeks earlier when beaten only four lengths by the highly-regarded Dom D’Orgeval.
He wasted no time in going one better by landing a smooth seven-length verdict over Castlecomer at the East Midlands track.
That was his first career win from only five starts and, with so few miles on the clock, there is surely more to come from the Bob Back gelding and he is the one to beat in the ladbrokes.com Rutland Water Novices’ Chase.
Ponchatrain can steam home for David Wintle in the ladbrokes.com Sileby Novices’ Handicap Chase.
The seven-year-old was not disgraced over three miles at Huntingdon last time when fourth to Alderbrook Girl but he is probably suited better by this extended two and a half.
That was only his second attempt over fences and he had shown promise in finishing sixth to Art Virginia at Ludlow in December.
Ponchatrain is probably better than his bare form suggests and can make it third time lucky over the bigger obstacles.
Alan King usually does well with his runners at Leicester and Anshabil looks a winner for the Barbury Castle trainer.
The eight-year-old was last seen holding Lescer’s Lad by a neck at Hereford two months ago and he can carry on where he left off in the ladbrokes.com John O’Gaunt Handicap Chase.
Aviation makes his fourth consecutive appearance at Catterick and George Moore’s five-year-old can collect for a second time in the Watt Fences Racecourses Suppliers Handicap Chase.
Fifth and second in his two previous runs at the North Yorkshire venue, he had to fight all the way to keep Golden Duck at bay by half a length to justify favouritism when opening his account over fences last month.
He can now follow up as he tackles handicap company for the first time.
South Sands can bounce back from a poor run at Hereford a month ago to come good in the Wensley Mares’ Only Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
Michael Scudamore’s charge totally flopped when tailed off behind Ikemba and has sound claims here judged on her previous start.
That was when she was runner-up to Tanzanite Dream at Folkestone early last month and, as long as she can handle the conditions, she can go close.
Capable Guest has been the subject of glowing workout reports recently as he goes for back-to-back victories in the Pontin’s Family Holidays Handicap at Lingfield.
The Mick Channon-trained gelding was a regular in the big mile handicaps last term, including when third to Blythe Knight in the Lincoln.
A similar programme is likely again this coming turf season and Capable Guest can get his 2007 campaign off to the best possible start on the Polytrack.
