NICKY LIVING THE DREAM

Going looks good for Henderson

WE HAVE A DREAM is our 9-4 favourite for today’s Unibet Elite Hurdle at Wincanton (3.00).

Nicky Henderson’s gelding has usurped stable mate Verdana Blue (11-4) at the top of the market after the rain at the West Country track.

Unibet ambassador Nicky had been relying on the weather to dictate plans and Verdana Blue swerved Ascot last week which, in hindsight, was the wrong decision for the mare who was impressive at Kempton last time.

She does however have race fitness on her side which is a big plus at this stage of the season.

The improving If The Cap Fits – who scored in style last December and already heads the market for the Unibet Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham next Sunday – is 5-2 to bag today’s prize.

But Redicean, at 13-2, was a smart juvenile and shaped well when giving

15lbs to the Cheltenham winner in October and last year’s winning stable have a good chance of claiming back-to-back victories in the 2m showpiece.

Present Man is 5-1 to win the Badger Ales Chase

(3.35) at only 2lbs higher than when scoring last year.

Punters’ pal Bryony Frost is banging in the winners and the layers will be running scared if this one can pull off a gamble.

But we have seen money for 14-1 shot Allelu Alleluia who won at Worcester last month but whose rating is up 10lbs.

Sam Red is in form and could be well treated at 10-1 after a Cheltenham win. Arkle hero Footpad runs at Naas (12.30). While he should be short enough today, his

7-2 for the Champion Chase in March could shrink.