TRUST SUTTER TO SHINE
MARK JOHNSTON READY TO STRIKE AT NEWCASTLE WITH SUTTER COUNTY ON THE ALL-WEATHER TOMORROW
Sutter County has proved frustrating to follow this winter but will surely come good in the 32Red Casino Conditions Stakes at Newcastle tomorrow.
Mark Johnston’s threeyear-old looked a seriously exciting prospect when bolting up on his Wolverhampton debut last March and earned himself a step up in grade by landing a novice event at Newmarket’s Craven meeting.
He looked to have his limitations exposed in Listed and Group company later in the season, but has been running consistently well on the all-weather in recent months, most recently being narrowly beaten by the useful Tomily at Lingfield.
There is nothing of that standard in this field, with Sutter County well clear on official ratings, and it will be bitterly disappointing if he is unable to make the most of what looks a giltedged opportunity.
The Betway Handicap is significantly more competitive, with Petite Jack fancied to continue his progression.
Neil King’s youngster ran terribly on his hurdling debut at Newton Abbot during the summer and his return to the level at Epsom did not yield much improvement.
However, he has been reinvigorated back on the all-weather, rising from a mark of 73 to 90 after completing a hat-trick at Lingfield.
His latest impressive display suggested he has not stopped improving yet and with confidence high, he should make his presence felt once more.
The Sir Mark Prescotttrained Boost rates the best bet at Wolverhampton.
The daughter of Pivotal confirmed the promise of successive placed efforts with a runaway success at Dunstall Park a month ago and does not look badly treated on a mark of 77 in the 32Red.com Handicap.
Colin’s Sister can continue her rise through the ranks with victory in the Weatherbys GSB Goes Online Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.
The Fergal O’Brientrained six-year-old showed useful form in bumpers last season and is three from three since being sent jumping.
A cosy debut success at Chepstow was followed by an impressive display at Warwick and she graduated to Listed class with honours when completing her hat-trick at Haydock in mid-December.
The forecast testing conditions and stiff track will play to Colin’s Sister’s strengths and she looks capable of giving weight and a beating to her rivals at Grade Two level.
Rathlin Rose is the selection in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup.