Johnson set to make Musselburgh comeback after injury
Richard Johnson returns to action for two mounts at Musselburgh today just 37 days after suffering a broken right arm at Exeter.
The four-time champion jockey, who trails runaway leader Brian Hughes by 20 winners, rides Olly Murphytrained pair Made For You (1.30) and Dubai Guest (3.52).
In the £10,000 Biggest Ever Jumps Season On Racingtv Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, Overcourt heads the betting for Sandy Thomson and Ryan Mania.
Overcourt, third to useful Cheddleton at Kelso in midjanuary, steps up to 2m 4f for the first time as he makes his debut in handicap company off a mark of 110. Berwick shire based Thomson has revealed that he is to become the new trainer of four-time Grade 1 winner Yorkhill, who has left the Irish yard of Willie Mullins.
A possible target for the tenyear-old is said to be the Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase at Ayr’s Scottish Grand National Festival in April.
At Musselburgh yesterday, Blair Campbell-ridden Blooriedotcom nearly got carried out at the second last by a loose horse on his way to landing the Biggest Ever Jumps Season On Racingtv Handicap Hurdle.
Winning trainer Lucinda Russell said: “He’s one of the cleverest horses we’ve ever had so he did well as the riderless horse tried to take him out.
“This was a qualifier for the Northern Lights Two Mile Series and the plan is to come back for the final here next month.” Nick Alexander and Keith Dalgleish were both on the mark with Eagle Ridge and First Account respectively while Hughes won the last on Jim Goldie-trained Pammi to take his seasonal score to 131.
Meanwhile, Tiger Roll is among 89 remaining contenders for the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on 4 April.
History awaits Gordon Elliott’s remarkable ten-yearold, who is due to complete his preparations at the Cheltenham Festival when he attempts to win there for a fifth time in all.
No horse has ever claimed the Aintree spectacular in three successive years, but Tiger Roll is currently favourite to do just that.
Last year’s runner-up Magic Of Light is on course despite finishing well behind Tiger Roll recently in the Boyne Hurdle. Prior to that she had been in fine form, winning at Newbury and Ascot.
Her trainer Jessica Harrington said: “Magic Of Light is in good form. She wasn’t as slick at her hurdles in Navan, but I think the ground was just too heavy for her. The Mares’
Hurdle at Cheltenham was an option, but the race looks very competitive – she would have been taking on two talented mares in Benie Des Dieux and Honeysuckle if they run. With that in mind, she will go straight to Aintree.
“She has a nice weight for Aintree and we are looking forward to taking her back there.”
Stablemate Jett is also in the mix, having run well in top company the last two times out.
“Jett is our other contender for the Grand National and the plan would be to run him, provided the ground is suitable,” said Harrington. “He prefers better ground to testing conditions, but he has run some fine races in defeat this season.
“I have been delighted with him and think there is plenty more to come from him.”
Tiger Roll’s stablemate Delta Work, a strong fancy for the Gold Cup next month, was one of 16 horses taken out, alongside Chris’s Dream, Missed Approach, the injured Native River and Noble Endeavor.
Those still outside the top 40 include Give Me A Copper, Takingrisks and Le Breuil (61).
The next scratching stage is 17 March.