Carnival time for Rosa del Rio at Newcastle
ROSA DEL RIO can make a successful switch to the handicap sphere at Newcastle.
Simon and Ed Crisford’s runner lines up in the Top Odds Every Day With BetUK Handicap after three unsuccessful spins in novice and maiden company, although that is not to say she has yet to show any promise.
Her debut at Southwell last April was ruined by her greenness, but she did fare a bit better on turf when third at Beverley subsequently.
Off the track for 249 days after that, Rosa Del Rio returned at Chelmsford just over a week ago to finish a three- length fifth when upped to the same 10- furlong trip she faces here.
Rosa Del Rio now qualifies for a handicap mark and her starting point of 67 could prove lenient.
Princess Nieve can thrive for stepping up to an extended 12 furlongs in the Scu Selects Expert Tips By BetUK Handicap.
The four- year- old did not enjoy an ideal run over a mile and three furlongs last time out, staying on late in the day after losing her early position and having to negotiate a bit of traffic in her challenge.
Beaten two lengths, Princess Nieve looked as though a slightly longer trip might suit.
Born Ruler finished well down the field on his racecourse bow shortly before Christmas, but the experience can stand him in good stead for the Spreadex Sports £ 300 Spread Betting Cashback Maiden Stakes.
His dam, Filia Regina, is a sister to Derby winner Australia and a daughter of the great racemare Ouija Board, making him a half- brother to a handful of winners.
He was beaten 12 and a half lengths in seventh at Lingfield, but he stayed on after a slow start and was putting in his best work at the end of seven furlongs.
Sir Mark Prescott moves him up to a mile here and while middle distances could prove his making in due course, his Derby entry suggests he is thought capable of better, even if that seems a long way off right now.
Beneficiary hit the bar at Southwell on New Year’s Day and blinkers can help his cause in the BetUKs Acca Club £ 5 Free Bet Handicap.
Equipped with cheekpieces in a five- furlong affair, Beneficiary found Murbih a length and a half too good with a move back up in distance a positive decision in this contest.
Two For Gold can make back wins in the
Chase at Lingfield.
Kim Bailey’s runner fended off Dashel Drasher in the two- milesixfurlong contest in 2022, before going on to finish second at Grade One level at Ascot afterwards.
Pulled up in the Grand National after running well for a long way, he did not really sparkle on his return in the Grand Sefton Chase, but this course and conditions will certainly suit.
Some big names are on show at Thurles, with Chacun Pour Soi a fascinating contender stepped up in trip for the first time in the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase.
The six- times Grade One winner has perhaps found age catching up a bit with him now he is 11, but a move down to Grade Two company and a two- and- a- half- mile trip could see him back on the winning trail.
A mistake two out at Leopardstown over Christmas cost him any chance of victory over Blue Lord and while now in the veteran stage, Chacun Pour Soi still remains a classy operator for Willie Mullins.
The chance of stablemate Allegorie De Vassy in the Coolmore N. H. Sires Mogul Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase is much more clear cut.
An effortless victory on her chasing bow at Limerick last month put her at the head of the market for the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham and this should be the perfect stepping stone to that assignment.
Fleur De Lys