Danse to show off winning moves

Nicholls’ Idol going for Grade Two glory at Sandown

DANSE IDOL came unstuck on her most recent outing but can regain the winning thread in the Weatherbys TBA Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.

Paul Nicholls had given his six-yearold a range of options this weekend, and it is perhaps telling she goes for Grade Two glory here rather than tackling a Listed alternative.

Danse Idol made an impressive debut over hurdles at Wincanton back in December but had to settle for second when upped in company at Haydock before Christmas.

The ground was really testing that day and while Danse Idol put in a fine round of jumping, she found Queenohearts a bit too sharp dropping back to two miles and three furlongs from an extended two-miles-five.

That rival is in opposition again here, but Danse Idol has a 5lb pull for a oneand-a-half-length defeat – a concession that should surely put her in the driving seat this time.

All eyes will be on KALASHNIKOV as Amy Murphy’s stable star has his prep race for the Arkle Trophy at the Festival in the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase.

The race has been rescheduled after the meeting at Warwick, its traditional home, was called off last weekend because of the equine flu outbreak.

At Fakenham, it may pay to side with VOLT FACE in the feature Tim Barclay Memorial Chase.

Paul Webber’s 10-year-old has been knocking on the door on both his starts in January and looks primed for success.

HIGHLAND ACCLAIM can bring up his hat-trick in the Like Sun Racing On Facebook Handicap at Lingfield.

The eight-year-old is on a roll for David O’Meara, winning at this track in mid-January before following up at the start of this month.

Lining up off a 2lb higher mark that day, he triumphed by a cosy length – and another 4lb hike might not be enough to stop him.