THOM CRUISE
It’s mission impossible for Henderson star’s rivals
THOMAS CAMPBELL (nb) can take centre stage in the Listed handicap hurdle (3.00) at Cheltenham.
Nicky Henderson’s five-yearold made his return to the fray at the Showcase meeting at Prestbury Park last month.
And he put up a personal best to land a valuable three-mile handicap hurdle in the style of a horse destined for a fruitful campaign.
Always travelling with himself behind the leaders, my selection was ushered to the front by Nico De Boinville on the run to the final flight, and stayed on to hold Milrow by two and a quarter lengths.
The handicapper hasn’t taken the win lying down – he’s given Thomas Campbell a 10lb hike in the weights.
But there is plenty more where that came from and, with Henderson (above) calling on rising star conditional James Bowen to claim a 7lb allowance, Thomas Campbell – sure to be suited by the additional furlong today – is strongly fancied to follow up.
De Boinville has an excellent chance of a victory in front of the ITV cameras, courtesy of RED INDIAN
(3.30). We haven’t seen the Ben Pauling-trained son of Sulamani since he finished a half-length second in a similar event at Warwick in mid-May.
Red Indian has been raised 2lb for that effort, but it would be a surprise if the five-year-old didn’t have further progress up his sleeve – especially with Pauling’s team in red-hot form as the jumps season hits top gear.
Another whose string is in rude health is Fergal O’Brien – and that points to the chance of PERFECT CANDIDATE
in the BetVictor.com Handicap Chase (1.50).
Paddy Brennan’s mount was below par when a 28-1 shot for a big-money handicap chase here three weeks ago, but Perfect Candidate took a big step forward after his first start last winter and should not be underestimated. MAZZINI
At Lingfield, looks sure to give a good account of himself in the Listed Betway Golden Rose Stakes (3.15).
Since being fitting with cheekpieces by James Fanshawe, the son of Exceed And Excel has taken his form to a higher level.
After winning over five furlongs in handicap company at Chelmsford in July, Mazzini has posted three rock-solid efforts over seven at the Essex venue – and the step back to six is no concern. BOYNTON,
Earlier, representing the Breeders’ Cup-winning duo of Charlie Appleby and Will Buick, is preferred in the Listed Betway Churchill Stakes (2.45).