WINDSOR’S PREMIER LEAGUE
Avenue has an Ell of a chance at Kelso
at Hexham then didn’t quite stay 2m 6f when fourth to Ask
Ben in a hot Newcastle novice. Still upwardly mobile, the gelding ruthlessly dismissed
Hill Sixteen at Sedgefield and he can take the step up to Grade 2 company in his stride under old ally Brian Hughes.
Ellison said: “I’m looking forward to running him. He’ll be going chasing next year, so his handicap mark over hurdles is immaterial really.
“He’s a horse we think a lot of. He’ll probably only run once more this season after today but we’ll see how he goes.”
The Yorkshire handler is just emerging from a quiet spell and he can also strike at Doncaster with BORDEAUX BILL (1.50). The eight-year-old’s form tailed
off over fences but he has been revitalised over hurdles and outpointed the useful Aye
Right in a strong Kelso handicap.
The gelding remains nicely unexposed as a stayer over timber and can follow up on the likely fast underfoot conditions.
CRACKING FIND (2.25) can extend Sue Smith’s recent winning run in the 888Sport Handicap Chase.
The gelding has developed into a high-quality two-miler and showed a willing attitude to wear down Forest Bihan over course and distance.
The gelding still seems to be improving in this sphere and he can shrug off a 5lb penalty in another trappy contest.
DANSE IDOL (3.00) can bag some valuable Black Type in the Listed 888Sport Mares’
Novices’ Hurdle. Paul Nicholls’ charge beat the improving
Printing Dollars on debut at Wincanton then chased home Festival-bound Queenohearts on her last two starts.
The six-year-old doesn’t face anything of that calibre in today’s line-up and she can gain a well-deserved success for Team Ditcheat.
ROCKY’S TREASURE (3.35) can make a winning handicap debut for the shrewd Kim Bailey in the Grimthorpe Chase.
The eight-year-old has thrived over fences this term, winning a Grade 2 here in December then ran better than the bare result when third to rising stayer
OK Corral at Warwick.
I doubt we’ve seen the best of this likeable type who can put some useful rivals to the sword from the front after a break.
Two more on ITV from Newbury where THEATRE GUIDE (2.05) can star in the Greatwood Veterans’ Handicap Chase.
Colin Tizzard’s gelding isn’t quite the force of old but he ran a stormer when runner-up to Houblon Des
Obeaux in a valuable contest at Sandown in January.
The 12-year-old could be dangerously well-handicapped on the pick of his old form and can reverse the placings with his Esher conqueror at the weights. HAPPY DIVA (2.40) and Kerry Lee can beat the boys in another trappy renewal of the Greatwood Gold Cup.
The mare is better than ever this season, finishing third to none other than Cyrname at Ascot before beating the classy
Magic Of Light in a Listed event at Market Rasen.
The eight-year-old clearly had plenty in hand that day and can add this Grade 3 prize to her CV with further progress on the cards in this sphere.
Rocky’s Treasure can be gilt-edged for shrewd Bailey in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster.