Union earns Sky Bet vote
UNIONISTE appears to find top level graded chases j ust beyond him, but today’s Sky Bet Chase provides an excellent opportunity for him to return to winning ways.
At first glance the six-year- old’s effort in the Lexus Chase last time was a shade disappointing as he was ultimately well beaten by a resurgent Bobs Worth at Leopardstown.
However, the losing margin was only 11 lengths and we may see a different horse now UNIONISTE (Doncaster, 3.15) returns to a flat left-handed track.
Such circumstances resulted in the selection powering to a seven-length victory at Aintree before Christmas, a display rivalling his best on speed figures.
Some may feel that he has plenty of weight today but he is the class horse in the race and I don’t believe many of his rivals would have finished within a distance of the reigning Gold Cup winner last time.
Night In Milan, Mart Lane and Gullinbursti comprise the shortlist of dangers.
The first-named would arguably want better ground to shine, but there looks more to come from Mart Lane judged on the improvement his trainer induces from the stable’s handicap chasers.
He routed a competitive field over course and distance last time and, although raised 10lb, may still have a say in the result.
Gullinbursti is the choice of Emma Lavelle from a couple of early entries and he could find more improvement now connections have taken steps to assist his breathing by fitting a tongue tie for the first time.
The reappearance of BIG BUCK’S (Cheltenham, 3.35) understandably dominates Trials Day at Prestbury Park and it is hard to believe that a trainer of the magnitude of Paul Nicholls would risk his charge if he wasn’t 100 per cent.
Nicholls has a terrific record when he returns horses to the track after a protracted absence and his stable star is taken to see off Boston Bob.
The Ditcheat handler could begin the day in the best way courtesy of
VINCENZO MIO (Cheltenham, 12.40) who was a spectacular scorer at Kempton last time.
Although he beat a modest field there, he ploughed through the deep ground to destroy his rivals and any overnight rain will play to his strengths.
ROBIN HOODS BAY (Lingfield, nap, 3.45) should show the benefit of a recent spin over a mile and appears primed to go close in the 10-furlong handicap. Tinshu looks the big danger.