ASSIGNMENT LOOKS UP TO THE TASK
FIRST ASSIGNMENT will be hard to beat in the Betfair Exchange Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle (2.25) at Haydock.
Ian Williams’ five-year-old opened his campaign by landing a gamble at Cheltenham last month.
And, stepping up from two miles and five furlongs to three miles, the son of Vinnie Roe followed up in style at the home of jump racing last Saturday, slamming Boyhood by nine lengths.
The handicapper has reacted with a thumping 13lb rise in the weights so, with a 5lb penalty, Tom O’Brien’s mount is well treated as he seeks a hat-trick. Imperial Cup hero
who finished fifth to First Assignment 29 days ago, should profit from a step back in distance for the Betfair Best Odds On ITV Races Handicap Hurdle (1.50).
After a return-to-action third over hurdles at Carlisle at the start of the month,
gets the Nap vote to go two better as he returns to fences for the Better Value On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (3.35).
At Ascot, is a worthy favourite for the Grade 2 Christy 1965 Chase (2.05).
The Paul Nicholls-trained grey racked up top-level triumphs in the Tingle Creek at Sandown and Aintree’s Melling Chase last term, and a penalty for those successes shouldn’t be enough to prevent a winning comeback.
He couldn’t cope with the smart Verdana Blue at Wincanton two weeks ago, but
had We Have A Dream back in third and should oblige in the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle (2.40).
The Gerard Bertrand Hurst Park Handicap Chase (3.15) looks a good opportunity for
to continue Philip Hobbs’ good run of form.