Hum to make a big noise
HUMBERT (nb) gets the vote to rack up a fourtimer by beating seven rivals in the opening handicap (1.45) at Lingfield.
A gelding operation has been the making of Hugo Palmer’s fouryear-old — after going under the knife Humbert returned to lift a Kempton maiden in December, following up in handicaps at Wolverhampton and back at the Sunbury track this year.
The handicapper has reacted with a 4lb rise for Humbert’s most recent victory, but there is further improvement to come and he is expected to win again.
ENCORE D’OR can net compensation for a near-miss a week ago by defying top weight in the Betway Handicap (2.55) at Lingfield.
Robert Cowell’s six-year-old came within a whisker of landing the Listed Hever Sprint over course and distance last Saturday, going under by a short head to Gracious John.
Back in handicap company on a mark of 104 — he obliged off 102 over five furlongs at Chelmsford last June — Ryan Moore’s mount has strong claims of going one better.
A course-anddistance scorer last month, ATTAIN fits the bill in the Betway Casino Handicap (2.20).
Things didn’t go his way when third to French Mix here last Tuesday as he found his path blocked when attempting to make ground at the two-furlong pole.
But the Archie Watson-trained veteran has held his form remarkably well this winter and another good run is on the cards.