Global Art looks pretty as a picture on Chelmsford Polytrack
– Global Art let down favourite backers last time but can make amends in the Bet In Play Handicap at Chelmsford today.
The three-year-old has shown a liking for the Polytrack, having registered his sole career success to date at this venue in August.
He then started awkwardly back at the track the following month and, following an average fourth, Ed Dunlop gave him a little break before he returned to action at the start of November.
The cards did not fall for him that day, though, because he was beaten a length into third after failing to get a clear run at a crucial point in the race.
Global Art stayed on gamely nevertheless, and still looks competitive on a mark of 78.
Tauteke posted a fine effort to finish third on her racecourse bow and, while staying is likely to prove her game in time, the Irish Lotto Novice Stakes appears an eminently winnable event.
She kept on steadily to be beaten just over three lengths by a useful filly in Lady Adelaide and should be a bit more streetwise for the experience.
Universal Command recently broke his duck at Wolverhampton and can add a Kempton success to his tally in the 32Red Handicap.
Roger Charlton’s runner was a comprehensive four-length scorer on that occasion, after finishing third earlier.
Clearly, he had progressed for the outing when triumphing in such good style – and while the handicapper has taken a dim view in hiking him 5kg in the ratings, Universal Command looks a horse on the upgrade now.
Oscar’s Ridge was an expensive failure last time, but those that keep the faith can be rewarded in the Novice Stakes.
A six-length winner on debut, Oscar’s Ridge was sent off a 1-9 favourite at Newcastle at the start of the month. But John Gosden’s charge was determined to do it from the front that day and expended far too much energy in the early stages.
He was treading water with 400m to run, so it makes sense to switch back to 2000m here, and jockey Rob Havlin will be alive to his keen-going nature.
Subcontinent can spearhead the jumps action at Warwick by taking the colossusbets.com Handicap Hurdle.
A winner for Venetia Williams in May, he seemed to be suited by the good ground at Perth - although he has also run well in testing conditions in the past.
Barbados Blue looked a fine recruit for Nicky Henderson when coming home a 15-length bumper winner back in May, and she can make a perfect start over jumps in the Mares’ National Hunt Maiden Hurdle.
Hailing from the family of Big Buck’s, she barely came out of second gear in winning at this track and could be above average.
High Command is the pick in Taunton’s Racegoers Club 50th Anniversary Hurdle.
He was let down by some poor jumping when second in a maiden hurdle on his most recent outing, but could prove more at home in handicap company now.
Kalahari Queen is the choice in the Tennent’s Lager Novices’ Chase at Ayr. – Press Association