FEAR AND GLOATING
CAGE OF FEAR (2.26) looks dangerous on day one of the campaign at Carlisle.
Fergal O’Brien’s chaser relished tackling three miles when slamming Gangster in a warm event at Perth.
The six-year-old remains nicely unexposed over fences so should shrug off a 7lb hike for his skilled handler.
The thriving trainer can also bag the closing bumper with PEKING ROSE (4.11).
Dianne Sayer is in good form so IOLANI (12.20) is worth backing in the opener.
The hurdler likes this tough track and ran a stormer when second to the progressive Playa Blanca at Kelso.
The eight-year-old still lurks on an attractive mark so ought to go one better back here.
GARRY CLERMONT (12.50) stands to shade a fascinating novices’ chase for Jonjo O’Neill. The gelding showed excellent form over timber and has the scope to be better over fences.
The novices’ hurdle is a trappy contest but BLAKENEY POINT (1.20) stands out.
Donald McCain’s gelding is open to progress over timber after slamming Chestnut Pete at Bangor in July.
CELESTIAL FORCE (3.20) looks poised to give champion trainer Paul Nicholls further success at Wincanton.
The progressive hurdler can build on his respectable second to Straw Fan Jack at Hereford on Tuesday.
Nicholls’ main rival Nicky Henderson should strike back with CHANTECLER (3.55).
The hurdler is upwardly mobile for his new yard so can defy an 8lb hike for routing Coole Well at Hexham.
CAPTAIN TOMMY (4.30) stands set to maintain Harry Whittington’s flying start to the season. The chaser will take some stopping with a repeat of his excellent second to Manofthemountain at Bangor last month.
SIDEREAL (6.30) can strike for Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding at Chelmsford tonight.
The gelding will not mind dropping back to seven furlongs after his fine second to Old News over a mile here.
Alan King’s LORD NEIDIN (7.30) is worth punting in the tote.co.uk Handicap. A game winner here last month, the colt improved when second to Hesslewood at Haydock.