WORTH A SPINNER
SAM SPINNER is thriving ahead of the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Trainer Jedd O’Keeffe is confident the rising gelding can improve again in the Grade 1 showpiece and is not worried about the prospect of better ground at Prestbury Park.
Alan King confirmed Scarlet Dragon will run in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival after a good second on his timber bow in the Dovecote at Kempton.
Tomorrow’s valuable meeting at Doncaster has become the latest victim of the freezing weather. Officials were faced with an easy decision yesterday after more snow and sub-zero temperatures were forecast for the Town Moor venue.
Jump fans are facing a rare blank Saturday after Newbury was also beaten by the conditions.
Clerk of the course Richard Osgood was forced to call off the Greatwood Gold Cup card due to heavy snow and a frozen track.
JAZIRAT (4.45) can continue Godolphin handler Charlie Appleby’s superb run at Lingfield.
The Dark Angel gelding just failed to catch the useful Vale Of Kent in novice company here and can do plenty of damage sent handicapping.
WICKER (2.30) can shade a trappy opener for Jane ChappleHyam. The Myboycharlie filly was a good second to Made Of Honour over course and distance and remains well treated in first-time cheekpieces.
Brett Johnson’s CAYUGA (3.35) will take all the beating in the claimer. The gelding returned from a long break in style when scoring narrowly over course and distance recently and can follow up down in class.
MITCHUM SWAGGER (4.10) can play the starring role in the seven-furlong handicap.
Group-class at best for David Lanigan, the six-year-old should have too much class for today’s rivals on his debut for Ralph Beckett.
PETRUCHIO (5.15) can claim a trappy novices’ contest for Ed Walker. The three-year-old opened his account in style over a mile at Wolverhampton and can defy a penalty over an extra two furlongs.
Milansbar will go for the Midlands National at Uttoxeter.
Neil King’s stayer is recovering well from his disappointing fifth in last Saturday’s Eider at Newcastle and will try to get his season back on track on March 17.
The 11-year-old is one of 65 entries and could face Eider winner Baywing, Yala Enki and Aintree contender American.