Bank on Senatus to make winning return to Southwell
● Mclintock’s hope can defy 6lb penalty
Senatus won with something in hand at Southwell last week and it is no surprise to see him make a swift return to the track for the Betway Casino Handicap.
Like many of Karen Mclintock’s young stock, the sixyear-old son of Early March began his career in the bumper sphere and made a promising start by finishing third at Uttoxeter and winning at Musselburgh.
However, he had his limitations exposed in stronger events at Ascot and Newbury and was switched to the Flat last April.
Results have been mixed, both on the grass on the allweather, but a runner-up finish at Newcastle early in the new year suggested his turn was not far away and he went one better in good style over a mile and a half here last Tuesday.
He is turned out under the 6lb penalty and with the extra couple of furlongs unlikely to be an issue for a bumper winner, he should take plenty of beating.
Angel Palanas absolutely seven-year-old could redress the balance in the Cotswold Chase following his laboured performance in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.
But Bristol De Mai, who had previously won the Betfair Chase at Haydock by 57 lengths, was convincingly defeated by Definitly Red and could finish only third.
The grey could still end up running in the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Festival in March, but his trainer will also consider the Grand National at Aintree in April.
Twiston-davies said: “He was very disappointing. We’ll do some tests on him but he could still run in the Gold Cup, and he’ll get an entry in the National.”
Nicky Henderson, on the other hand, was left purring after stable star Altior reportedly dazzled in a workout in Lambourn at the weekend.
The brilliant eight-year-old has not raced this season after having undergone breathing surgery in December.
But his trainer is now considering running him in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on Saturday week as he builds up towards a potential assault on the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.