ECU DE LA NOVERIE
caused a 33-1 shock when winning a decent novice hurdle at Newbury three weeks ago. His owner-jockey David Maxwell rode a cool race to get back up to beat a highly-rated Mister Fisher from Nicky Henderson’s yard. Trained by Philip Hobbs, the ex-French four-year-old can show that victory was no fluke by following up at Lingfield. He has top weight to shoulder but can see off Gary Moore’s who looks the biggest danger. The selection also won’t mind any of the forecast rain.
MANAMITE
won a couple of races on the Flat in France before being purchased by JP McManus and sent to Gordon Elliott’s yard. He showed promise on his hurdling debut when second at Cork but was then found to have a fibrillating heart after pulling up at Leopardstown. He had a similar problem after running at Galway in August and has been switched to Ben Haslam’s Middleham yard. If he is back to full health he should take care of these. is a dual bumper winner at Sedgefield and looks the biggest danger.
EVIDENCE DE THAIX
Philip Hobbs can land a Lingfield double with this promising recruit. She was bought by JP McManus after winning a couple of French bumpers impressively. could provide the main opposition. She won on her bumper debut last season and ran well in two other races. and are a couple of others to consider.
Belle Amis