FLAMES HOTTING UP
CELTIC FLAMES (2.55) can turn up the heat at Ayr if today’s meeting survives a precautionary inspection.
Lucinda Russell’s grey was a moderate hurdler but looked an entirely different proposition when slamming Charlie Snow Angel on his fencing bow at Hexham last month.
There should be plenty more to come in chases from this promising type who can follow up on his first try at 2m 5f if Ayr is passed at 9am. CRUACHAN (1.45) will take all the beating in the conditionals’ event for trainer Lucy Normile.
The eight-year-old landed a trappy event at Perth in decent style in September and can make a winning return on heavy ground.
Mike Smith’s LAS TUNAS (2.20) is the call in a competitive handicap chase.
The five-year-old scored over two miles here last season and should still be open to plenty of improvement over fences for his talented handler. But the best bet of the day is ALSVINDER (2.10) in the Betway Dash at Lingfield.
The sprinter has been rapidly progressive on the all-weather for David O’Meara and produced another career best when scoring at Wolverhampton last time.
That effort earned a 5lb hike but there should still be plenty to come with the four-year-old able to strike for his shrewd trainer.
Jimmy Fox’s WILD FLOWER (12.0) can blossom in the Betway Sprint. The progressive filly outpointed the reopposing Arcanista over course and distance last time and can confirm the placings in her form.
GORGEOUS (3.50) can claim the opener under the floodlights at Wolverhampton.
Tony Carroll’s filly was unlucky to meet the thriving Swendab here last time and can go one better off an attractive mark.
■ Paul Nicholls is likely to be mob-handed in Saturday’s Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
The Ditcheat handler has entered class acts Clan Des Obeaux, Le Prezien and Romain De Senam as he seeks a fifth win in the Grade Three showpiece.
Clan Des Obeaux, who steps into handicap company after landing a graduation chase at Haydock last month, heads the weights after 17 horses remained following the confirmation stage.
Old Guard could try to regain his International Hurdle crown two years on from triumphing.
■ Freezing weather continues to plague jump racing with tomorrow’s meetings at Hexham and Leicester and Thursday’s Warwick card facing inspections.