JACOBS’ Crackers

SUNDAY SERVICE SOME old chasing friends revert to hurdles at Market Rasen today and VOLNAY DE THAIX (4.35) can roll back the years and land the nap in the three-mile handicap.

Second in a Relkeel Hurdle followed by a close fifth in the Coral Cup last year, the raider, trained by Nicky Henderson (below), has not really made the expected smooth transition to fences.

But he finds himself 11lb lower in the hurdles ratings and should be able to give weight to Oscarteea and The Tourard Man.

Although a beaten favourite last time out, THIRD ACT (1.50) did not run too badly at Chepstow and in receipt of 8lb from Western Miller he looks the call in the opening event at 1.50.

AIR SQUADRON (2.25) is taking his time to acclimatise to hurdles but gets a bundle of weight from the hat-trick-seeking Symphony Of Angels, while course and distance winner CHANKILLO (2.55) has solid each-way claims.

Veteran SPES NOSTRA (Ayr 2.10) found 11 furlongs too much of a stamina test last time out at Hamilton and the drop in trip could pay dividends at a handsome double-figure price. But the best bet at the Scottish track could be TWO FOR TWO (4.20). Roger Fell’s charge looks sure to dominate this small field from the outset and can take advantage of his falling rating.

HOT TO TROT The Northumberland Plate Consolation was run at a crawl to halfway and that did not play to the strengths of GABRIAL’S KING.

Richard Fahey’s charge did well to get to within five lengths of the winner, London Prize and off a rating of 89 looks a winner waiting to happen.

By the time the sixth race was run at Chester last Saturday the drying ground had gone against POWERALLIED. But despite conditions and being hampered in the initial stages, he still ran a cracker to finish second and his turn is around the corner if we get a wet spell of weather.

ANTE-POST When he fell out of the stalls and finished a never nearer 11th in the Wolferton Handicap, I immediately set sail for the John Smith’s Cup with CENTRAL SQUARE at 20-1.

Set to race off the same mark for this valuable York handicap on Saturday, I fancy the son of Azamour will run a huge race.