SUE’S IN THE KNOW
I JUST KNOW is a confident selection in the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick (2.35).
Progressive last term, Sue Smith’s gelding caught the eye when a good fourth behind the classy Waiting Patiently over 2m 4f in the Colin Parker at Carlisle.
This stiff rise in distance on a softer surface should be ideal for the eight-year-old who can enhance his trainer’s excellent record at this venue.
Tailor Tom (1.00) can enhance Donald McCain’s superb course record in the novices’ hurdle. The six-year-old needed every yard of the three miles when outpointing Arden Denis at Wetherby and will relish this extra two furlongs.
Un Prophete (1.30) can strike for in-form Venetia Williams in the two-miler. The grey landed a hot Exeter handicap chase in taking style last time and remains on a fair mark thanks to Charlie Deutsch’s 3lb claim.
Borders handler Sandy Thomson can take the lucky last with Nendrum (3.45).
The nine-year-old produced a personal best when hacking up at Musselburgh last week and can defy a penalty in his current mood.
Decent stuff at Leicester where Not Another Muddle (12.45) can take the opener for Gary Moore.
Useful over hurdles, the gelding bolted up on his chasing debut at Plumpton and has scope for improvement in his new career.
Chasma (2.50) can claim a trappy handicap chase for the thriving Mick Easterby. The mare has been upwardly mobile over fences and should have plenty up her sleeve after her game success at Southwell last time.
Sleepy Haven (3.25) rates the safest option in the Chieftain Handicap Hurdle. Jennie Candlish’s gelding has been returning to form recently and can build on his excellent second behind Chti Balko at Haydock.
Meanwhile, Monalee will try to get his career back on track in next month’s Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown. The gelding is reported to be recovering well from last month’s fall at the Foxrock venue by Henry.
De Bromhead will bid for redemption in the 2m 5f Grade 1.
North Hill Harvey is in good order after his fine second in last month’s Henry VIII at Sandown and Dan Skelton’s gelding will now take in the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick on February 10 en route to the Arkle.
Ante-post jolly Might Bite and defending champion Sizing John head a classy 38-strong entry for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.