CLOCK TICKING DOWN
SANDY THOMSON is hoping racing’s rulers help him out after Seeyouatmidnight’s Grand National plans were again derailed by the weather.
The gelding needs a run over fences to qualify for next month’s Aintree showpiece but intended target Carlisle was yesterday abandoned due to snow.
The Borders handler said: “It’s a complete nightmare.
“The Premier Chase at Kelso was called off twice, there was the veterans’ chase at Doncaster and now Carlisle is off so that’s four races we’ve missed.”
Thomson is hoping the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) schedule a replacement meeting on Thursday but the 10-year-old could also go for a veterans’ chase at Ascot on Sunday.
■ CLIFFS OF DOVER (3.25) can claim the two-miler for Jump maestro Paul Nicholls at Lingfeld.
A classy hurdler, the gelding scored decisively over course and distance 12 days ago and remains well handicapped. WORLD OF GOOD (2.20) can continue her revival for trainer Olly Murphy.
The mare scored in style on her debut for the Warwick handler who should eke out improvement.
Daniel Loughnane’s BIG AMIGO (2.50) can be punters’ pal in the Play Starburst Slot Handicap.
The five-year-old can build on his second over a mile here last time with more luck in running.
BEAUTIFUL MEMORY (3.55) can extend her winning streak in the novices’ event. Saeed bin Suroor’s filly improved again when bolting up at Chelmsford and can account for some promising rivals under 5lb claimer William Cox.
POUR LA VICTOIRE (4.25) rates a value bet in the sevenfurlong race. Tony Carroll’s eightyear-old likes this venue and is on a workable mark after an eyecatching fifth here last month.
Expect MINIATURE DAFFODIL (4.55) to bloom in the apprentice handicap.
David Evans’s gelding took his form to a new level when scoring over 1m 2f here last time and will relish a course and distance return. Today’s Kelso meeting is off due to snow while tomorrow’s card at Exeter is also abandoned.
■ Ruby Walsh will discover on Wednesday how long he will be sidelined with a leg injury after falling from Al Boum Photo in last week’s RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
■ Jonjo O’Neill said Minella Rocco will head straight for the Grand National after swerving last week’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Alan King’s Yanworth could try to atone for his Stayers’ Hurdle Festival flop in next month’s Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree.