Easterby can cause Ructions
TIM EASTERBY may have the solution to a tricky twomile handicap hurdle at Market Rasen, with the ultra consistent Run Ructions Run on her handicap debut.
The mare has never been out of the places in eight career starts, including three victories, so it was encouraging to see her hold her form last time out at Leicester.
The five-year-old was beaten three-and-threequarter lengths by Legacy Gold, who is in the Supreme and Neptune at Cheltenham, and has Craig Nichol taking off 7lb.
New Year’s Eve has been a little inconsistent but produced his A-game last time at Huntingdon, where the Motivator gelding was an eight-length winner from Anton Chigurh.
He steps up two furlongs today, but having cruised through to lead on the bit last time, there seems little doubt that he will get the trip and perhaps improve again for it.
Second in the Cheltenham Festival bumper two years ago — beaten one-and-aquarter lengths by Champagne Fever (now rated 157) — his mark of 123 may be a touch lenient.
New Year’s Eve’s trainer, John Ferguson, may also be on the mark in the extended two-mile novice, after Certification got off the mark at the second attempt at Wetherby a month ago.
The four-year-old travelled well in the lead that day and, despite being headed three out by Rayak, regained the advantage and pushed clear on the flat with a bit to spare.