Western Ryder can get right back on track

More favourable ground should see Greatrex hope boost festival chances

WESTERN RYDER flopped in the Tolworth last time but can get his Cheltenham Festival campaign back on track in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle at Huntingdon.

Warren Greatrex’s runner was sent off favourite for that Grade One heat on the back of two previous hurdle wins, including a defeat of Betfair Hurdle favourite Lalor at Cheltenham in December.

However, Western Ryder was never really travelling on what was very testing ground at Sandown and while Huntingdon will hardly be quick, it should not be as deep and this six-yearold should feel the benefit.

ZIPPLE BACK is an eye-catching contender as he has his first start for Harry Fry, and his first outing since last May, in the Racing UK In HD Handicap Hurdle.

Previously trained by Alan King, Zipple Back was a 19-length winner at Stratford last May before following up by 26 lengths at Uttoxeter at the end of that month.

He really did not beat much, but his mark of 128 looks pretty workable for Fry. PADDYPLEX can claim a nice prize for Keith Dalgleish in the Betway Handicap at Newcastle.

After winning his first two he had the misfortune of taking on Dubawi Fifty

last time out but lost little in defeat. With just 1lb more on his back he looks sure to run well. SELECTIONS

HUNTINGDON: 1.15 Marmont, 1.45 Free Range, 2.15 Western Ryder, 2.50 Zipple Back, 3.20 Glenforde, 3.55 Serpico, 4.30 Sea Story.

NEWCASTLE: 2.05 Navajo Star, 2.40 Paddyplex, 3.10 Highwayman, 3.45 Stoneboat Bill, 4.20 Henpecked, 4.55 Ascot Week, 5.30 Mayfair Rock.

DOUBLE: Western Ryder and Paddyplex.

Warren Greatrex: looking for better from Western Ryder.