Destiny is calling at Warwick for Russell
Lucinda Russell’s string could hardly be in better form ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and she can enjoy another success ahead of a huge week in the Cotswolds with the Warwick-bound Destiny Is All tomorrow.
Having sent out five successive runners to claim victory through the week, the Scottish trainer will be praying her hot streak continues as she prepares to saddle stable stars Co rachRamb le rand Gold Cup con tender Ahoy Se nor at Pre st bury Park.
Destiny Is All is not of the standard of that high-class pair, but has shown more than enough to suggest he is a major player in the Carol’s, Eddie’s & Dan’ s Special Birthdays Handicap Chase. The nine-year-old won three times over fences in 2022 and came close to adding to his tally on his first start of the new year at Carlisle three weeks ago.
Fitted with cheek pieces for the first time, Destiny Is All looked to have been produced with a winning run, but was beaten a head by Tile Tapper.
It is unfortunate he has earned a 5lb hike in defeat, but with a step up in distance in his favour he should nevertheless prove hard to beat.
Danci la is expected to defy a penalty in the Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Novices’ Hurdle.
Considering the six-year old won three times on the Flat in Ireland for Jim Bolger and earned himself a rating pushing 90, he was not an expensivepurchase by trainer Fer gal O’Brien at 35,000 guineas.
It looked money well spent at Musselburgh last month as he readily extended clear of his rivals and if he handles this softer ground, he can double up.
The Jonjo O’Neill-trained La Domaniale could outclass her rivals in the EBF Mares’ Novices’ Chase.
The JP McManus-owned runner is three from five over fences and was only narrowly beaten by Franc kyDuB er lai sin the Grade Three Summer Plate at Market Rasen in July.
La Domaniale comfortably defied a career-high mark of 130 when getting back on the winning trail at Stratford the following month and while her fitness has to be taken on trust, she appears to have been found an excellent opportunity to pick up where she left off.
Hourvaric an win the opening Offers EveryDay At Rhino. Bet “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Market Rasen for Olly Murphy.
The six-year-old shaped well enough in each of his three bumper starts without winning and while he never threatened on his hurdling bow at Newbury, he stepped up when third at Ling field next timeout.
A rise in trip saw him take his game to another level when bolting up at the same track next time – and while talented mare Bonttay rates a threat, even with his penalty Hourvari has plenty in hand on official ratings.