Man out to Mack his mark
MACK THE MAN can make a successful debut over fences in the Walters Beginners’ Chase at Ffos Las tomorrow.
Evan Williams’ six- year- old was a revelation over hurdles last season, showing vastly improved form after managing only two moderate placings in his previous novice campaign.
Mack The Man ran only three times, but raised his rating by more than a stone with two emphatic victories before being pitched into the ultra- competitive Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.
He was running with great credit there too, until being brought down in a melee at the last flight when still close up and likely to play a hand in the finish.
His hurdles rating was subsequently left alone, suggesting he could well have another chance at another big pot over the smaller obstacles this term.
It is therefore instructive that Williams instead sends him straight over fences, and Mack The Man can vindicate the move at his local track - where conditions are likely to be spot on, following his two victories in the mud last year.
He has it all to do, on those hurdles figures, with three of his four rivals in what looks a tough introduction over fences – but he has at least as much potential as any of them in this new discipline.
Williams rarely comes away from Ffos Las empty- handed, and he could well make it a double this time - because Mouseinthehouse is back for more in the Pennant Walters Handicap
Chase.
The six- year- old has won on his last two course- anddistance visits, defying an 8lb rise last month - and albeit from another 5lb up the ratings, the hat- trick must be on.