The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Expect to see Ericht back in full flow
ERICHT can spearhead a Nicky Henderson double at Doncaster.
The Seven Barrows trainer loves to send a horse or two along to Town Moor to benefit from the generally decent ground, and Ericht is one who can thrive for that in the BetBright Best For Festival Betting Veterans’ Handicap Chase.
The 11-year-old appeared to be having an off-day when well beaten in fourth at Kempton last month, but the winner is a smart enough individual having gone on to beat Saphir Du Rheu, who subsequently scored himself at Kelso last week.
Ericht was tailed off before three out at the Sunbury track which was particularly disappointing as he had previously turned in excellent efforts at Cheltenham and Newbury.
That run was probably too bad to be true, but the move to this sort of race is a big plus.
Henderson should also be on the mark with SOLDIER IN ACTION in the Watch Live Racing On BetBright. com Juvenile Hurdle.
Rated 105 on the level, he was a bit of a let down on his hurdling bow, weakening into fifth in a Listed event at Musselburgh at the start of the month.
Soldier In Action jumped well enough but had nothing left to give when push came to shove in what was his first outing in three months. Better is anticipated.
WINGS ATTRACT was impeded by a loose horse when running over fences here last time out and merits close inspection switched back to the smaller obstacles in the BetBrightBOOST Handicap Hurdle.
Olly Williams’ charge was clobbered close home but deserved plenty of credit for her four-length defeat and should be able to make good use of her lower hurdles mark.
ONE MORE HERO is the pick in the Ludlow Point To Point 1st April Maiden Hurdle at the Shropshire venue.
The six-year-old was a £100,000 purchase last May after winning one of his two point to point starts, with a couple of subsequent winners under rules finishing behind him.
Paul Nicholls has taken a patient approach with the Milan gelding and this looks like a fine stepping stone to better things in time. SELECTIONS:
DONCASTER: 2.10 Charming Zen, 2.45 Soldier In Action, 3.15 Wings Attract, 3.45 ERICHT (NAP), 4.20 Paint The Clouds, 4.55 Black Op.
LUDLOW: 2.00 Alfie’s Choice, 2.35 Mercian King, 3.05 One More Hero, 3.35 William Money, 4.10 Dino Velvet, 4.45 Mendip Express, 5.20 Theatrebar.
DOUBLE: Ericht and One More Hero