THE GREY MATTERS
PUT racing’s enforced six-day absence behind you with SARYSHAGANN (3.50) at Musselburgh.
The grey has his quirks but he was useful on the Flat and caught the eye when third on his timber debut behind
Constancio at Doncaster. That looked a fairly strong contest and the six-year-old can open his account with further progress expected.
Durham handler David Thompson’s SHAIYZAR (2.50)
can edge a trappy novices’ chase. The 10-year-old hasn’t scored for a while but is on an attractive mark after chasing home the in-form Norton thorpe legend at Wetherby.
COOL VALLEY (4.20) can enjoy his first win under rules in the Betway Handicap Chase.
William Young’s gelding is a talented pointer who can cash in on this easier assignment after a fair fourth at Kelso last time. TELSON BARLEY (4.55) can be cream of the crop in the novices’ handicap hurdle.
Graeme McPherson’s gelding was third to Silver Quay over 2m 4f at Taunton and can come on plenty over three miles.
BADDESLEY KNIGHT (2.10) can enhance trainer Chris Gordon’s fine Plumpton record.
The progressive six-year-old scored in style over course and distance recently and can give weight and a beating to some promising foes. The Hampshire National at Aintree in April. Nigel Twiston-Davies’s multiple Grade 1 winner is top weight but could be well treated off a mark of 168 if he lines up.
Last year’s victor Tiger Roll, Scottish stars One For Arthur and Lake View Lad and Welsh National hero Elegant Escape also stand ground in the big race.
■ Defending champion Native River will miss Saturday’s Denman Chase at Ascot and head straight to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.