Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HAPPY MON DAY
It’s Fergie time again at Newcastle
MONMIRAL rates a real threat to hotpot Epatante as he steps into open company for the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle (3.15) at Newcastle.
The French native, part-owned by ex-manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson (below, right), enjoyed the perfect campaign as a novice last season, winning all four starts and signing off with a seven-and-a-half-length destruction of his rivals in the Grade 1 Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in April.
There is obviously more required as the Paul Nicholls (below) trainee tackles the Betfair-sponsored test, but Monmiral is a long way from the bottom of the barrel and can remain unbeaten.
There’s an open look to the Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase (2.05), but don’t underestimate NOTACHANCE.
The wheels came off the Alan King seven-year-old on his final two starts of last term, but a reproduction of the form he showed to score at Bangor in November and Warwick in January – the latter success coming in the Classic Chase – would put Johnny Burke’s mount in the shake-up.
King saddles VALLERES in the Betfair Daily Rewards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (1.30), and the step up to an extended two miles and seven furlongs is a big plus for the top weight as he bids to build on a chasing debut third at Newbury 23 days ago.
At Newbury, Philip Hobbs also has prospects of an ITV3 double, kicking off with KALOOKI in the Sir Peter O’sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase (1.15).
A tendency to jump to his left held Kalooki’s progress over fences in check last winter – including when a head second to Espoir De Teillee here in March – but Tom O’brien’s partner has the scope to rate higher.
MASTERS LEGACY enjoyed a head margin over two miles at Chepstow last month, and the additional four furlongs will aid the follow-up bid in the Get Your Ladbrokes £1 Free Bet Today Handicap Hurdle (1.50).
Four improvers lock horns for the Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Intermediate Hurdle (2.25), with preference for ONEMOREFORTHEROAD.
The six-year-old continues to follow an upward curve in the hands of Neil King, returning to action with timber triumphs at Stratford and Huntingdon.
Sam Thomas was in the money at Ascot last Saturday with Before Midnight, and the going-places trainer is taken to capture the Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Handicap Chase (3.35) with GREY DIAMOND.
Sam Twiston-davies’ partner ran a pleasing comeback third at Ascot last month.