Seeing Red no bad thing at Wetherby

Brian Ellison’s inmate has opportunity to establish Gold Cup credentials

DEFINITLY RED could emerge a lively outsider for the Gold Cup if he wins the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

He admittedly has to go some, and more, to even enter calculations for the big one at Cheltenham, but Brian Ellison’s inmate, who has had just 10 starts over fences, is definitely good enough to win a Charlie Hall.

The 159-rated chaser’s Grand National dreams went up in smoke in April after his saddle slipped on the first circuit but, before that, he looked a horse at the top of his game.

A 17-length demolition job in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster was pretty special in the grand scheme of things, but he is not just about stamina.

No better was that illustrated than in the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase over this course and distance on Boxing Day when he produced a fleet-footed display to score by seven lengths.

Just as importantly, though, is the fact he goes well as a fresh horse, having won twice on his seasonal return under rules.

It is difficult to escape the charms of Lil Rockerfeller in the Grade Two West Yorkshire Hurdle.

Neil King’s flag-bearer was third in the race 12 months ago but he has since made breathless progress, having finished runner-up in the Long Walk at Ascot and in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

King reports Lil Rockerfeller “more forward” than this time last year and he can be trusted to get the job done.

Meanwhile, The Orange Rogue looks good for the Gordon’s Pink Gin Handicap Chase at Ayr.

SELECTIONS:

AYR: 12.25 Boogie Life, 1.00 Harry Hunt, 1.35 Cyrus Darius, 2.10 Falcons Fall, 2.45 Rock On Rocky, 3.20 Mount Mews, 3.50 Ask The Tycoon.

WETHERBY: 12.20 Daklondike, 12.55 Al Shahir, 1.30 Kings Walk, 2.05 Miss Night Owl, 2.40 Lil Rockerfeller, 3.15 DEFINITLY RED (NAP), 3.45 Zig Zag. DOUBLE: Definitly Red and Lil Rockerfeller.