Hobbs can lead the way

Philip Hobbs has an impressive recent record in Cheltenham’s Greatwood Handicap Hurdle and is expected to be celebrating another victory on Sunday with Lead On.

This unexposed six-year-old has some way to go to match the exploits of the Hobbs-trained Rooster Booster and Detroit City, winners in 2002 and 2006 respectively.

But time is very much on his side and he is sure to progress further if a most encouraging return to the fray at Chepstow proves a good guide to his prospects for the season ahead.

Lead On enjoyed a good first campaign in 2006/07, winning twice and finishing second from his completed starts, and showed he has more to give this term when giving Don’t Push It a massive fright last month.

That Jonjo O’Neill-trained charge had been backed as if defeat was out of the question at Chepstow but he only wore down the selection in the dying strides.

Don’t Push It had been a rock-solid favourite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup until an 11th-hour setback forced his defection, so it is fair to say Lead On lost little in defeat last time.

Having just failed to last out over two and a half miles on that occasion, Hobbs’ charge makes huge appeal stepping back to a stiff two miles here.

Papini took high rank among the better handicap hurdlers last year, defeating subsequent Totesport Trophy winner Heathcote by a ready five lengths in a valuable heat at Sandown.

Yet Nicky Henderson’s likeable gelding always appealed as one to make an even bigger impression over the bigger obstacles.

And Papini duly began his chasing career in the perfect fashion when making all in a fair race at Ascot two weeks ago.

Henderson now steps him into Grade Two company in the Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase, and despite the calibre of opposition on show, the six-year-old is expected to come through his latest test with flying colours.

National Hunt action is also staged at Carlisle and Fontwell, with Tidal Bay’s presence sure to attract a decent crowd to the first-named Borders venue.

Howard Johnson’s exciting youngster should be a match for the very best novices on either side of the Irish Sea this term after enjoying a tremendous campaign over timber last season.

He looks sure to be even better over fences and romped to victory at Aintree last month to suggest opposing him in the TurfTV A Matter Of Course Novices’ Chase is likely to prove futile.

Tarkesar can go well in Fontwell’s Heart Of The South Racing Handicap Hurdle having enjoyed a little break since his last start.