Stage set to soar
STAGE ONE can make a perfect start over fences with victory in the 32Red. com Limited Novices’ Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.
Dan Skelton’s charge has finished third on each of his four hurdles outings this year, most notably when filling that place behind Cloudy Dream who went on to find only the mighty Altior too good in the Arkle at Cheltenham, back in 2015.
He was then off the track until this term, when he returned for minor honours at Fakenham before taking similar supporting roles at both Ffos Las in November and Hereford in January.
Stage One has shown flashes of promise on each of those occasions but as a point to point winner back in 2015, you cannot help but think fences could be the making of him.
The better spring ground is also viewed as a plus and he should be sharp enough for two miles and a furlong.
Boher Lad is worth a look in the Happy Birthday Bernard Workman Handicap Hurdle at Plumpton.
The 10-year-old gelding has been in fine fettle of late and looked the essence of vitality at Southwell when he pulled five lengths clear in a fair handicap hurdle.
Boher Lad has been thumped by the assessor but it would be dangerous to rule him out of calculations.
Kayflin should also be followed in the Injured Jockeys Fund Oaksey House Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase.
Linda Jewell’s mare was a good second over hurdles at this track in February and can cash in on a lenientlooking mark over fences.
Hertford Dancer stepped up on previous form to win a moderate maiden back in December and can progress again with victory in the Betway Middle Handicap at Wolverhampton.
John Gosden’s filly probably did not have to be too special to win that day, with just one winner emerging from those in behind, although a number of others have turned in fine placed efforts.
The handicapper has given her a starting mark of 72 which looks fair enough, and the presence of Adam Kirby in the plate is a definite tick in her box.
Rowlestone Lass seemed to find her groove when winning last time out and can score again in the Betway Stayers Handicap.
The seven-year-old was off the track for 18 months before returning with a lacklustre effort at Wolverhampton in January, followed by another less than inspiring performance when pulled up at the same track.
Nothing came to light after she appeared to lose her action, but she put the drama behind her in style as she finished with a real flourish to win at Chelmsford earlier this month.
A 3lb rise puts her on to a mark of 77, just 1lb below her best ever perch, so hopefully she will be on her best terms.