HILL FITS BILL
YORKHILL, denied a run at the abandoned Cheltenham meeting today, can be compensated in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster.
This former top-class individual for Willie Mullins has now found his form since joining SandyThomson’s stable.
On his recent run, YORKHILL
(3.15, ITV) turned back the clock and resembled the horse that had won at the Cheltenham Festival in 2017 when beating Whatmore at Newcastle in November.
Earlier on the card, SHISHKIN
(1.30, ITV), the odds-on favourite for the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, can show that he is worthy of that spot by taking the Lightning Novices’ Chase.
The impressive winner of last season’s Supreme Hurdle at the Festival has won his two outings over fences without coming out of second gear.
Today’s two-mile contest will be a perfect stepping stone to gain more experience before lining up at the Festival.
His trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Nico de Boinville can make it a double with FLORESSA (2.05, nb, ITV).
The mare was not disgraced when runner-up behind Lady Buttons in this event last year.
The progressive PATS FANCY (2.40, nap, ITV) has the credentials to take the River Don Hurdle for Rebecca Curtis. On only his second outing over hurdles, he ran a blinder when runner-up to Make Good at Cheltenham.
On that occasion, he had some smart performers behind him, including today’s rival
Ask A Honey Bee and today’s longer distance will add to his chances.
At Lingfield, the handicapper has given PADDY POWER (2.20, ITV) a cracking chance to end a spell in the wilderness.
His last success came off a 15lb higher mark at Newcastle in November 2019.
The consistent (2.55,
ITV) can be rewarded after some solid efforts in defeat. ATHEEB (3.30, treble, ITV) is expected to improve from his first run for new connections. Successful for Michael Stoute over this course and distance in June, he shaped well on a first spin for George Boughey when sixth behind Lequinto at Kempton earlier in the month.