AT THE RACES

DOM Of Mary looks a promising type for David Bridgwater and can get off the mark for his new handler in the Happy Retirement Dai Burchell Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow tomorrow

Ted Rose).

(writes

The former Irish pointer, who also won a bumper for previous handler Sam Curling, was even given an entry in this weekend’s Grade One Tolworth Hurdle which goes to show the regard in which he is held.

Bought privately by owner Peter Cave, who sadly lost his classy chaser The

Conditional, he made a promising debut at Newbury last month.

Never far away from the leaders, he was just lacking a gear from the second last onwards to finish fourth of 10.

While he races over a similar trip on this occasion, a stiffer track and more testing ground will surely be in his favour.

Marco Island made a very pleasing debut for Anthony Honeyball, who has wasted no time in sending him over obstacles in the first division of the Play Coral Racing Super Series For Free Maiden Hurdle.

Making his racecourse debut at this track in a bumper last month, he was not even thought to be the first string from the stable, going off a bigger price than two other stablemates.

He looked a very promising recruit, though, making ground effortlessly before pulling away for a comfortable success and he can make his mark over hurdles.

The apparent Honeyball first string that day was Hatos and he runs in the second division – which on paper looks by far the weaker of the two.

It would be no surprise at all to see him confirm the promise those at home thought he had by claiming victory in this outing.