37 NINE NINE NINE THE RIGHT CALL
TWP STORI did the job well enough at Fontwell two weeks ago but that was a very weak event, and a 7lb rise looks enough for it.
He’ll handle conditions and stays well, so is an obvious enough candidate in the Celebration Of Pete Morgan Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle at Warwick.
But I’m going to give one more chance to R BERNARD (3.25, who finished third on debut for Mel Rowley at Southwell.
The longer trip here is neither here nor there, but more about what will handle conditions best, and R Bernard can prove the support for him last time wasn’t misplaced.
In the 3.55, Yellow Jacket has the best recent form figures but the one time he was tried over 2½m he shaped like a non-stayer.
With that in mind he looks very vulnerable with heavy ground putting extra emphasis on stamina.
Hidalgo Des Bordes makes his handicap debut today having got himself a mark with three runs over hurdles.
He showed a bit more at Plumpton last time out, and this step up to 2½m should be in his favour, but I still prefer NINE NINE NINE
(3.55).
He has a decent record at this trip and further on testing ground, with this season’s form figures in the mud of F24U13133 showing not only that he copes well with conditions, but he’s also a tough customer to stand up to such a busy campaign.
The son of Soldier of Fortune is no superstar but has been in good form through the winter and wet spring.
His two wins at Leicester have worked out well, and he could have done with some fences in the home straight at Haydock at the weekend, as he was just done for a turn of foot late on.
Bounce
As long as he’s over those exertions — and his record suggests he’ll bounce back straight away — he can win again before the handicapper finally gets a hold on him.
Plenty to consider in the Challenger Stayers’ Final, but I’ve been impressed with the progress SURE TOUCH (5.05) has made on his last two starts.
He coped well with heavy ground when off the mark over fences at Uttoxeter in a competitive contest two starts back and better again when a comfortable winner on contrasting ground at Taunton last time.
His record since initial wind surgery is 2111412311, and he seems to be thriving for the in-form Olly Murphy.
Ridden by the talented Dylan Johnston, the partnership should be better suited by track and trip than a few of their rivals.