SWITCH BACK TO HURDLES JUST THE JOB
HE has looked an absolute dog recently over fences but there is little doubt that GOSHEN (2.30)
still has a huge engine inside and the return to timber in the feature Betgoodwin National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell this afternoon is just what the vet ordered.
Best known for his final-fence demise in the 2020 Triumph Hurdle, the now seven-year-old has since chalked up four wins including three Grade Two victories and this race looks the perfect set up for him against four rivals.
Based on his nonstaying second of five behind Paisley Park in the diverted Ladbrokes Long Walk Hurdle at Kempton Park, the seven-year-old looks the one to beat in this feature event of the afternoon.
Time may tell that his 17-length second in the Kingwell Hurdle was a below-par effort from Knappers Hill and Paul Nicholls’ charge rates the main danger to my enigmatic selection.
With the top weights hugely uninspiring in the 2m5f handicap chase, FURKASH (2.00) may finally be able to take advantage of a sliding mark. The selection ran a solid race behind Spotty Dog last time out at Huntingdon and should have the legs of Sure Listen.
This sound surface is the preserve of PEACE OF ROME (3.00) and he is taken to open his timbertopping account at the third time of asking, while TOUT EST PERMIS (4.00) can leave behind two moderate displays by landing the hunter chase.
With the spring ground hugely in his favour, THE LATE LEGEND (3.20) can land his seventh chase win from only 20 starts by taking the Veterans’ Handicap Chase at Hereford.
Later on, a mark of just 71 makes HUNSBURY (4.20) a solid each-way play where there is very little strength in depth, while I have a strong fancy for Oliver Sherwood’s REPUBLICAN (3.50). After being trounced 14 lengths by Blue Lord at Leopardstown, COEUR SUBLIME (3.10) enters calmer waters in the Grade Three Newland Chase at Naas and it will be a surprise if the eightyear-old can’t see off Battleoverdoyen and Rebel Gold.
Reverting back to a bare two miles could make the prolific Corbetts Cross vulnerable in the Grade Two Johnstown Novice Hurdle and FOUND A FIFTY
(3.40) should have his measure. An easy winner of a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle, the Gordon Elliott trainee could be Punchestown Festival-bound if he wins impressively here. Elsewhere at the Co. Kildare track, have a second look at THETYS
(2.10) in the opening fouryear-old handicap hurdle. He has shown promise on enough occasions to take advantage of his current rating with his fifth behind Comfort Zone in November looking the pick of his efforts to date.