Lord can call tune

CALL Me Lord failed to make an impact on his initial outing over fences but he should feel the benefit of that experience as he tackles the Pertemps Network Novices’ Chase at Leicester tomorrow.

The eight-year-old was set a difficult task on his first attempt in chase company, shouldering top-weight at Uttoxeter, where his presence off a mark of 148 ensured all his rivals were out of the handicap.

That proved too big an ask on testing ground as Call Me Lord could finish only fourth behind Come On Teddy, with Nicky Henderson’s runner weakening in the finish.

The outing should see him strip a bit fitter and switching away from handicap company certainly hands him an advantage here as he has a good chunk in hand on the official numbers.

Smart enough to win two graded heats over hurdles, it would be disappointing if Call Me Lord were to fall short again.

Jimmy The Digger possibly paid for his keen-going attitude when having to settle for third last time out, but if he can race with a bit more restraint he could be one to follow in the Pertemps Network Leicestershire Silver Fox Handicap Chase.

He found it tough going from the second-last at Market Rasen last month, eventually being beaten eight and a half lengths over three miles.

Switching back to two and a half miles looks shrewd given he won over that trip on his chasing bow.

Findthetime can supplement a recent narrow success with victory in the Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap Hurdle at Catterick.

Nicky Richards’ charge has made steady progress in each of his three hurdles starts, stepping up from an initial third at Perth to finish second at Carlisle before finally hitting the target at Sedgefield last month.

He made hard work of that victory, prevailing by just a head after regaining the lead on the run to the line, but his attitude could not be faulted.

Findthetime’s hurdling still needs to improve a bit as he is prone to a mistake or two, but nevertheless he can make his presence felt.

Recent point-to-point winner Silver Flyer takes the eye in the Betting Better With Sky Bet Maiden Hurdle as he makes his debut for Donald McCain.

Blue Flame can register the first success of his career in the MansionBet Beaten By A Head Handicap at Newcastle.