HEND OF THE MATTER
SCARPIA (1.45) looks dangerous in the staying handicap hurdle at Hereford for Nicky Henderson.
The gelding improved again when a fine second to Earth Lord in a hot event over 2m 5f 141y at Ascot last month.
The eight-year-old was staying on strongly so can land this weaker contest up in trip.
LEGAL RIGHTS (12.45) should maintain Gary Moore’s winning run in the conditionals hurdle. The gelding relished tackling near enough 2m 4f when cosily defeating Global Agreement at Fontwell. The five-year-old was value for more than the half-length verdict so ought to defy a 7lb penalty.
PURE BLISS (2.15) stands to delight backers by shading a competitive novices’ chase.
A useful hurdler, Harry Fry’s mare was a solid second to Deja Vue on her fencing bow at Exeter last month and can open her account against some promising rivals.
Ben Case is hitting form so FELTON BELLEVUE (2.50) looks poised to claim a trappy handicap chase.
The gelding improved again over fences when giving Light Flicker most problems at Market Rasen last month.
The six-year-old was doing all his best work late so should do better over almost 3m 2f.
JOBESGREEN LAD (3.50) is worth backing in the tricky attheraces.com Handicap Chase. Tom George’s horse put in his best shift yet over fences when routing Ambion Hill at Ludlow a month ago.
Open to progress over nearly 2m 5f, the gelding should jump his rivals into submission.
LIGHTENING COMPANY (5.0) can strike for Ben Haslam on the all-weather at Newcastle.
The gelding was unlucky to meet Global Walk over track and trip in October. The fouryear-old has a bright future in handicaps so ought to score for a trainer who excels here.
Philip Kirby’s FIRCOMBE HALL (6.0) is worth punting in the Betway Handicap.
The colt is still on a winning mark after his unlucky third to Kilconquhar over course and distance three weeks ago.
WHITTLE LE WOODS (6.30) rates a typical Michael Appleby improver in the last.
The gelding should build on excellent efforts at this venue when trained by Michael Dods.