MARE’S WAR TO WIN
WAR CREATION (2.40) can battle to victory in the Michael Lumsden Trophy Hurdle at Ludlow.
Nicky Henderson’s mare has improved since stepping up to 2m 4f and produced a career best when hacking up at Haydock.
The six-year-old remains relatively unexposed over hurdles and can enhance her trainer’s fine record at the Shropshire venue.
Ben Pauling has hit form and can lift the Attwood Trophy Chase with CREEP DESBOIS (3.15). The six-year-old put in his best effort over fences when beating Popelys Gull at Fakenham in December and can improve switched to handicap company.
Pauling can double up in the closing maiden thanks to GOWITHTHEFLOW (4.45).
The gelding was a good second to Mr Whipped in a hot Newbury novice hurdle last time and can go one better back down in class.
Karl Burke’s KELLY’S DINO (7.55) is the best bet on the all- weather at Wolverhampton. The lightly raced gelding did it nicely over a mile here last time and can follow up over an extra furlong.
■ Native River is primed ahead of his seasonal debut in Saturday’s Denman Chase at Newbury.
Trainer Colin Tizzard expects a decent performance from the gelding, a leading fancy for next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Barters Hill will make his comeback at the same venue on Saturday. The former top novice is said to be fighting fit by Pauling and will have his first run since November 2016 in the Betfair Handicap Hurdle at Newbury.
■ Benatar could go for the Pendil Novices’ Chase at Kempton on February 24 after missing last weekend’s Scilly Isles at Sandown.
But Gary Moore’s gelding could head straight to the RSA or JLT at next month’s Cheltenham Festival if the going is unsuitable.
■ Beyond The Clouds is thriving after landing Sunday’s Supreme Trial at Musselburgh.
Kevin Ryan’s novice holds no entries at the Festival but could go for next month’s Grade Two Premier Hurdle at Kelso. The gelding could then head for Aintree or Ayr in April before embarking on a Flat campaign.
■ Brazilian jockey Jorge Ricardo equalled Russell Baze’s world record of 12,844 career winners when booting home Jubileia at Rio’s Hipodromo track.
■ Altior is reported to be working and schooling well but isn’t certain to return in Saturday’s Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.
Trainer Nicky Henderson said: “I think he is going to go but I am not going to promise.”