KIM TO REMAIN HAPPYGOLUCKY
FEW trainer- jockey partnerships are in better form than Kim Bailey and David Bass.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National- winning handler has saddled 29 winners so far this season – just four behind Nicky Henderson – and is operating at a 21 per cent strike rate.
Bass is one of the reasons that win ratio is so good. His strength in the saddle has been highlighted many times recently including on El Presente in the Badger Beers Chase.
Today at Fakenham HAPPYGOLUCKY ( 2.03) should continue their run in the Raynham Novices’ Chase.
The six- year- old was an impressive winner of a decent novice chase at Stratford – a likeable display that promised much more to come.
Getaway Trump, his main rival, has not looked a natural over fences but is still a formidable rival.
Bailey and Bass do well in bumpers and £ 36,000 purchase TRUE GLORY ( 3.33) could give them a double in the last race at the Norfolk track.
It pays to stick to course form at Southwell and several previous winners could hit the target again today.
USTATH ( 12.20)
won easily on Sunday and is in great form, while on the same day
GRIMSTHORPE CASTLE ( 2.50, nap)
was mugged on the line. He can confirm recent track form with Grand Pianola.
NAVAJO DAWN ( 12.50) handles the Fibresand well and has slipped to a dangerously low rating. She is strongly fancied to go very close today.
Meanwhile, at Newcastle tonight
CONTINENTAL
( 6.45) should follow up a recent course victory. She sprang a surprise when winning at 25- 1 but earlier in the season she was talked up by her owner John Dance as his horse to follow for the season.
A 3lb rise looks lenient and she can win again under Megan Nicholls.