Owen living a Fantasy
QUEEN’S CUP SUCCESS WOULD BE SO SWEET
SWEET FANTASY (3.35) is fancied for the Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup gold medal at Musselburgh this afternoon.
James Owen’s mud-loving mare built on her 16-race Flat career to make an instant impression on jump racing in 2024.
But the unchallenged 17-length Catterick winner from 120-rated Lily Du Berlais is back on the level to chase £51,000 here.
Progressive on soft ground for Ralph Beckett, jockey Aidan Keeley’s 3lb claim takes her down to 8st 9lb and the five-yearold will feel like she is running loose. Race fitness is a big advantage in late March, too.
Karl Burke has made a bright start to this new turf Flat season, and POET MASTER (2.25) can provide his Spigot Lodge stable with more success.
Up 8lb after bounding to victory at Doncaster last September, the son of Lope DeVega had minimal pressure applied for a two-and-three-quarter-length verdict there.
On only his fifth start, he is an unexposed sort tackling a bunch of hardened Virgin Bet Silver Arrow handicappers.
From a mark of 84, GLORIOUS ANGEL (3.00) is a live contender in the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup. Grant Tuer’s charge runs over five furlongs on turf for the first time since finishing second from a 3lb higher mark last October.
There was plenty of cut in the ground then as well and Brandon Wilkie’s allowance gives her an extra advantage.
Virgin Bet Royal Mile favourite INDIVIDUALISM (1.50, nb), trained by Charlie Johnston, is fancied to strike for last year’s winning yard.
At Haydock, JUDICIAL LAW (2.40, trb) appeals in the New RacingTV App Challenger Stayers Handicap Hurdle Series Final.
Given a mid-season break by Jonjo O’Neill, my selection finished fifth on similar going at Newbury. Eye-catching back-straight headway was made before the lack of a run appeared to tell – and he can up his game in refitted cheekpieces.
THOR DE CERISY (3.15) has turned a corner for Neil Mulholland and a Chepstow brace puts him in the picture for the Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Handicap Chase Finale.
Consistency is a strength of My Pension Expert Challenger Two Mile Handicap Hurdle Series Final tip PLAYFUL SAINT (2.05).