Cyrname to be crowned THE KING
12.50 LADBROKES ONLINE BETTING NOVICES’ HURDLE 2 MILES, CLASS TWO
WiTh recent winners including Menorah, Altior and if The Cap Fits, this race has a track record of unearthing star performers. Now there is a chance
VEGAS BLUE will turn out to be a highly talented race mare and follow in the hoof prints of Verdana Blue by winning on this card for her owners.
Verdana Blue was recently sold for £370,000, but Crimbourne Bloodstock may have a readymade replacement if Vegas Blue can replicate two stylish bumper victories when she tackles hurdles for the first time. it seems significant that Nicky henderson, who has won four of the last ten renewals of the Boxing Day curtain-raiser, allows the relation to Bellshill to take her chance in this company and it might prove a smart piece of placing if she can confirm the promise of her huntingdon comeback earlier this month.
Ecco was a disappointing third at Cheltenham last time when favourite, but may find going right-handed more to his liking, while Getaway Fred appeared to be a smart prospect at Chepstow last time and his form when second to hang in There at Exeter has taken a hefty boost since.
1.20 LADBROKES CASINO HANDICAP CHASE 2 MILES 4 FURLONGS, HANDICAP
iN-FOrM Venetia Williams has saddled 15 winners in December and ROLL AGAIN could add to that tally by supplementing last week’s stylish Ludlow success.
The five-year-old routed a competitive field of handicappers at the shropshire venue, barely coming off the bridle to beat a talented rival in Bobo Mac, himself an emphatic winner at the track on his previous start.
The most taking aspects of roll Again’s performance were his cruising speed and the way he attacked his fences.
With the exception of an error two from home, he barely put a foot wrong.
This event represents a step up in class, with simply The Betts looking to complete a hat-trick following successes at Chepstow and Newcastle. his Chepstow victory featured a comprehensive defeat of Espoir De Guye and, given that rival routed a competitive field at Ascot on saturday, the form looks extremely solid.
Others to bear in mind include Doctor Dex, runner-up last time over course and distance, and Commanche red who has chased home two useful novices this term.