Sunderland Echo

HAVE FAITH IN HUNTSMANS

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Huntsmans Close can give his supporters a good run for their money in the Terry Mills & John Akehurst Handicap at Epsom tomorrow.

Robert Cowell’s charge is on his lowest mark for nearly three years, which probably is not a surprise given he has not actually won since 2015, but he has certainly not been bringing up the rear every time.

The seven-year-old is obviously not quite the force that saw him hit the career-high mark of 102 he achieved with Roger Charlton, but he remains a useful tool, particular­ly off his current perch of 88.

Huntsmans Close took a couple of runs to get going this term but he shaped with promise when beaten just a short head, conceding 1lb, by the reopposing Highland Acclaim here in July.

He has since gone to finish third in a moderate event at Yarmouth and while Huntsmans Close has to find that extra little bit with Highland Acclaim, he is worth a shout.

Oh It’s Saucepot is on a roll at present and can seal her hat-trick in the Molson Coors Handicap.

Chris Wall’s three-yearold found the winning groove after sliding down the handicap to a mark of 60 at Newmarket last month and showed she is even better than that when following up off a 6lb higher mark at Yarmouth.

She won in decent style that day but will obviously have to improve again to defy an extra 4lb here.

However, Oh It’s Saucepot is clearly coming on in leaps and bounds and her upward trajectory may not be finished yet.

Rodaini has been highly tried so far but can make use of a step down in class fortheFoll­owAtAtther­aces On Twitter Conditions Stakes at Ripon.

Simon Crisford’s charge was a Listed winner at Doncaster last season and was subsequent­ly tried in the very best company, finishing last in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf last autumn.

Rodaini reverts to a mile, a factor which should be in his favour. Given he is upwards of 11lb better of each of his rivals on the official numbers, this should be a straightfo­rward task.

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