JEPECK TO STAR AMONG CARLISLE VETERANS
Anthony Honeyball may have found the perfect opportunity for Jepeck in Carlisle’s Aglionby Veterans’ Handicap Chase tomorrow.
At 10 years old, the prolific ex-pointer only just scrambles into this ageing bracket, and he is in right at the bottom of the weights too - receiving up to 17lb from the seven-strong field, plus Rex Dingle’s allowance of a further five.
That ought to count for plenty in very testing ground on this notoriously stiff track.
Jepeck, who opened his account this season with an easy win back in November on heavy ground at Ffos Las despite jumping markedly out to the right throughout, appeared to have conditions in his favour too when returning after a 103-day break at Exeter last month.
He was accordingly well-backed in the Devon National but, not for the first time over extreme trips, did not seem to get home after travelling well - and was eventually a 21-length sixth to Dawson City.
Honeyball is well-represented throughout the weekend as his Dorset stable hints at a recovery from a sickly winter - and although Jepeck is up against some formerly classy rivals here, he has plenty in his favour.
In the racingtv.com Novices’ Chase, Evan Williams sends The Last Day up from Glamorgan in search of a maiden victory over fences.
The seven-year-old is another who goes well in this ground, and has been mixing it in some much better races finishing runner-up the last twice and also putting up a good account in likely defeat before falling on his debut.
He looks well capable of dealing with this small and largely exposed field.
Mountain Hawk should appreciate a drop back in trip for the Watch Irish Racing On RacingTV Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
Tim Easterby tried his charge over two and a half miles on his most recent outing, but that appeared to be a step too far as Mountain Hawk dropped away tamely to be beaten 25 lengths in third.
Having previously shone over an extended two miles, Mountain Hawk should be much more at home over this two-mile-one-furlong distance.
Saint De Vassy ought to be able to strike for the first time in the A E Roofing Services Novices’ Hurdle at Ffos Las.
Tom Symonds’ lightly-raced sixyear-old has run well on all four career starts, hinting each time that he will continue to improve as he moves up steadily in trip.
He has come up against some useful opponents so far, and this looks a little easier.
Goodgirlteresa has hardly been a common refrain from many of late, in these Brexit-dominated times.
But Kayley Woollacott’s mare may well earn the plaudits again in the Llanelli Herald Handicap Chase.