JUMPS action from Market Rasen, with the all-weather at Southwell, Lingfield and Kempton.
The flat turf season kicks off in style at Doncaster this Saturday, featuring the Unibet Lincoln Handicap and there are also two Listed contests with the Unibet Cammidge Trophy Stakes and the Unibet Doncaster Mile Stakes.
The Unibet Lincoln looks as competitive as ever with clear favourite Auxerre looking to have a red hot chance, whilst Ledham is my each-way selection at this stage.
On Tuesday I’m heading up to Aintree in preparation for three days of fantastic racing starting on Thursday with four Grade 1s ahead of the Foxhunters’ over the National fences. What a day’s racing!
Look out for my daily Unibet blog over the three days of this fantastic meeting.
2.20 Southwell 5f
Twentysvnthlancers (nap) for Paul Midgely is often slowly away, he needs a good pace to aim at so he can come with his customary late charge and it all fell nicely for him here last time out when striking near the finish. He has a good chance here with the speedy sorts Red Stripes, Honey Gg and Oriental Relation to take him into the race and he can follow up from a decent draw in stall 7.
Unibet win 11/4
3.35 Lingfield 2m
Schindlers Ark for Jane Chapple-Hyam ought to stay 2m on the Flat and may find himself getting an easy time of it on the front end here. Beaten a length at Kempton over 12f by Harry Callahan, who he reopposes this afternoon, when allowed to dictate his own terms last time and if this longer trip ekes out a bit of improvement, he’s every chance of going one better.
Unibet each way 9/1
4.20 Market Rasen 2m 7f Hurdle
Back On The Lash will appreciate the step up in trip from two miles, having struck late under champion jockey Richard Johnson to secure victory last time out at Ludlow in January.
He was coming back after a break from October and that was his third career start and second victory.
Unibet win 7/4
4.50 Market Rasen 2m 7f Hurdle
Acertain Circus has fallen a long way down the handicap and looks on a dangerous mark these days, and would have hit the frame last time out here over course and distance but for a couple of untidy jumps. He certainly retains ability and he should be match fit after that second run back after a long absence and has every chance under conditions that suit here.
Unibet each way 15/2
8.30 Kempton Park 6f
The very consistent and evergreen nine-year-old Steelriver catches the eye here. He has had one victory and four placed efforts on his 2019 starts since returning to Michael Herrington.
Interestingly this is his first appearance for nearly two years at the course, since finishing second on that occasion and conditions look forward ideal for him to score his second victory of 2019 running off bottom weight.
Unibet each way 13/2
