The Station Master is all set to rule at Huntingdon

Station Master can put a dismal last time out performance behind him in the Racing TV Novices’ Chase at Huntingdon tomorrow.

Kim Bailey’s eight-year-old was building up a consistent profile until he ran no sort of race when sent off favourite at Doncaster just after Christmas.

His first two runs of the season were rock solid. He chased home Just A Sting at Uttoxeter in October and followed that with an even better run when second to The Young Master at Cheltenham.

On the back of that he looked a good thing for a less competitive race, but following a mistake at the first fence he never looked happy.

At least he was pulled up before being asked to do what he was obviously not in the right frame of mind for, and given a mid-season break he should be able to dominate in this small field.

Dan Skelton’s Ferrobin should take some beating in the Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle.

Placed in his two bumpers, he then ran a fine race to finish second on his hurdling debut at this Cambridgeshire circuit.

The winner that day, Brecon Hill, has gone on to mix it with some of the best novices around since then so there was certainly no disgrace in defeat.

Another possible plus point is that Ferrobin has had a wind operation since he was last seen.

Phil Kirby’s Little Bruce should be well suited by the marathon trip in the Cambridgeshire National Handicap Chase.

He only ran nine days ago, but after being tapped for speed at Catterick over three-mile-one, he was staying on dourly at the finish and got to within two lengths of the winner.

An extra five furlongs this time should bring his endless stamina into play.

Sedgefield’s meeting is the latest targeted by trainers upset with levels of prize-money, yet ironically only five got to post for the £30,000 Young Chasers Series Final Handicap Chase.

Sue Smith is never one to pass up a good opportunity and with The Paddy Pie at the top of his game this looks a great chance to bring up his hat-trick.

A typical late developer, he has suddenly come to himself since the turn of the year and while he once looked to be on an even keel with his old rival Manwell, whom he meets again, The Paddy Pie now looks on a much steeper upward curve.

Only three-quarters of a length separated them at this track in January, but at Haydock last time out Manwell was over 20 lengths behind the selection.

The Paddy Pie races off only a 4lb higher mark, while Manwell has been left alone, so it is difficult to see him getting revenge.