STATE’SAREALGEM
DIAMOND STATE (3.15) can sparkle for thriving Lucinda Russell on Christmas Jumper Raceday at Musselburgh.
The hurdler absolutely bolted up from My Macho Man on his return over two miles at this venue. The gelding wasn’t stopping at the business end so he can defy a 7lb hike over an extra half-mile.
Jonjo O’Neill’s A DISTANT PLACE (12.15) won’t be far away in a fascinating novices’ hurdle. The six-year-old opened his timber account with power-packed defeat of Chanceux at Hereford.
The gelding remains nicely unexposed over 2m 4f so he can follow up.
COLLINGHAM (12.45) can shade a hot juvenile hurdle for Brian Hughes and Donald McCain. The gelding hammered We Still Believe on debut for the dynamic duo over course and distance. There is plenty more to come from this pacey type.
The combination can add the handicap hurdle to their tally with MINELLA PLUS (1.15).
The gelding hacked up over track and trip in October then routed Arthur’s Seat at Catterick. The four-year-old scored with plenty in hand so he should strike again back over two miles.
GUN MERCHANT (1.45) looks dangerous for in-form Ann Hamilton in the novices’ chase. The gelding benefited from wind surgery when easily denying Clondaw Pretender at Newcastle.
The eight-year-old remains fairly treated so he can claim a deeper contest down in trip.
BOOTLEGGER (2.15) can snatch the Racing TV Handicap Hurdle for Tristan Davidson. The gelding put in another excellent shift when chasing home Geordie Des
Champs at Aintree. The eightyear-old still lurks on a decent timber mark so he can go one better dropped in class.
UPANDATIT (2.45) can rise to the challenge in the trappy John Balloch Handicap Chase.
Nick Alexander’s charge caught the eye when third to African Dance on his fencing bow at Ayr.
JOBESGREEN LAD (1.00) can extend Tom George’s winning run in the novice chase at Ludlow.