Beat That – the challenge has been laid down

TIPS: Henderson’s 10-year-old can turn tables on Aintree conqueror Exitas

BEAT THAT was high class in his youth, has been back in good heart of late and does not look over-burdened in the Smarkets Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Warwick.

He was no match for the impressive and reopposing Exitas in a similar race at Aintree last time, but Nicky Henderson’s 10-year-old acquitted himself well enough in second and is favoured by revised terms for this three-runner race.

Beat That twice landed the odds on quick ground in August and September, and is sure to remain competitive in prevailing conditions.

It may be more of a slog up at Hexham, but that should not be a problem for the promising HILL SIXTEEN in the British Stallion Studs EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.

Sue Smith’s winning Irish pointer impressed at Carlisle recently, a respectable third and miles clear of the rest, and looks sure to excel if kept to stiff tracks like this.

KILCULLEN FLEM was fit enough to win on his seasonal debut here last year, and can repeat the dose in the John Smiths Handicap Chase.

His course victory last October was on his first start for Philip Kirby, the first of two successes out of two at Hexham because he returned in February to prevail over four miles.

Back again at the same trip, he was a creditable fourth in smart company at Punchestown in April, and can outclass this opposition.

SELECTIONS

HEXHAM: 12.50 Hill Sixteen, 1.20 Senor Lombardy, 1.50 Take A Break, 2.25 Kilcullen Flem, 2.55 Love At Dawn, 3.30 Le Frank.

WARWICK: 12.30 My Mate Mark, 1.00 Pulling Power, 1.30 She Mite Bite, 2.05 Djingle, 2.35 Erick Le Rouge, 3.10 BEAT THAT (NAP), 3.45 Bergamot.

DOUBLE: Beat That and Kilcullen Flem.

Nicky Henderson: Sends out Beat That in today’s three-horse race.