Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Jepeck is set to turn the tables
JEPECK can go on a successful retrieval mission in tomorrow’s Aglionby Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Carlisle.
Anthony Honeyball’s stayer was sent off the 5-4 favourite in this race last year – but found the re-opposing Takingrisks, subsequent winner of the Scottish Grand National, too good by two and three quarter lengths.
It is fair to say Jepeck is a better horse 12 months on, having won three times from just five starts over fences and hurdles.
His finest hour came when he lifted the final of the veterans’ chase series at Sandown in December.
He was not quite at his best in a competitive Listed handicap chase at Ascot when fourth to Regal Flow last time, but a return to a qualifier for the veterans series can see him regain winning ways.
Lucky Flight has been in fine form this campaign, and can strike gold again in the Watch Irish Racing On Racingtv Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
A winning pointer in 2018, Lucky Flight hit the mark on his first two hurdles starts in September and October, but was then off the track until returning at Musselburgh last month.
He cut little ice against Christopher Wood on that occasion, but not disgraced in being beaten 11 lengths – and a slight 2lb ease in the ratings is another plus.
First Flow is the pick in the racingtv.com Novices’ Chase.
He has hit the frame on each of his seven starts over fences, winning three times by an average of just over 20 lengths.
The eight-year-old always promised to make a very decent chaser, having won at Grade Two level over hurdles, but he seemingly has his quirks – jumping a little left at righthanded tracks, and right when tried left-handed.
It certainly does not seem to stop him, though and while he has been an odds-on favourite for each of his three wins, he can only beat what is put in front of him.