HIGH IS MIGHTY FOR NIC
I SPY a decent value bet on HIGH SECRET (2.50) in the Bridgwater Novices’ Hurdle at Taunton.
Useful on the level, the gelding has taken well to timber for Paul Nicholls and was a decent third in the Scottish Supreme Trial at Musselburgh last month.
The race has worked out pretty well and the six-year-old is open to a fair amount of improvement in his new career.
MR MEDIC (3.20) looks just what the doctor ordered in the Bathwick Tyres Handicap Chase. Robert Walford’s six-year-old has thrived over fences and can complete a hat-trick following a well-earned break.
WISHFULL DREAMING (3.50) has a realistic chance of taking the two-miler.
Phillip Hobbs’ gelding was a good fourth to Brain Power at Sandown in December and will relish the likely decent ground.
Colin Tizzard’s Festival didn’t quite pan out as well as planned but he should claim the Taunton Handicap Chase with LEG LOCK LUKE (4.20).
Largely consistent, the gelding wasn’t seen to best effect on heavy going at Fontwell but he should bounce back to form dropped 1lb on a faster surface.
■ Willoughby Court is said to be thriving by Ben Pauling after his trailblazing success in last week’s Neptune.
However, the handler views his game gelding as a future chaser and admits he is unlikely to be seen in action again this term. Pauling said: “He could not be better. He has come out of it very well but he looks like he has had a race. There are no two ways about it as he is a little bit lighter than he was.
“He has just trotted and been walking since. I don’t think he will run again this season but you can never say never. I think he’s a chaser all over as his jumping is what makes him what he is.”
■ Warren Greatrex confirmed that Cole Harden will go for the Liverpool Hurdle.
The gelding made a bold bid to regain his 2015 Stayers’ Hurdle crown and will now run in next month’s Grade 1 at Aintree.
■ Neon Wolf is reported to be in good shape by Harry Fry after his game second in last week’s Neptune at the Festival.
However, the handler will wait before making any plans about his next target although he did confirm the gelding is likely to try novice chasing next term.
The Dorset handler is also keen to give Unowhatimeanharry time to recover after his slightly disappointing third when a hot favourite for the Stayers’ Hurdle.