Mask-ed marvel for Exeter backers
Maskada can be rewarded for two excellent placed efforts by winning the EBF Mares Novices’ Chase Series Qualifier at Exeter tomorrow.
Stuart Edmunds’ fiveyear-old had the misfortune to come up against two smart geldings in Faivoir and Annual Invictus on her fencing debut at Uttoxeter in October.
If that was not bad enough, she faced Alan King’s The Glancing Queen at Bangor last month but had to concede best by a length and a quarter after being prominent throughout.
Maskada can make her experience tell as she bids to make it third time lucky over the bigger obstacles.
Ashfield Paddy can build on an encouraging first effort for six months last time and return to winning ways in the Cazoo Novices’ Chase at Ffos Las.
The Jonjo O’Neill-trained seven-year-old only went down by half a length to Yggdrasil at Bangor, despite making a couple of costly mistakes. Nevertheless, it was a fine effort that augurs well for the rest of the campaign.
Lydford Lad made light of a 232-day absence when opening his account over two and a half miles on this course last month. The six-yearold, trained by Jack Barber, returns to the Welsh venue for the Happy 50th Birthday Birdie Novices’ Hurdle 39 days on and a repeat looks on the cards.
Carausius fairly bolted up on his return to Southwell last week and a follow up would be no surprise in the Read Katie Walsh On Betway Insider Handicap.
The Charlie Hills-trained four-year-old led two furlongs out over the mile and a half and was not extended to cross the line four and a half lengths to the good from toiling opposition. He clearly took to the new Tapeta surface, although his only previous win in eight starts came there on Fibresand in March.
The Cacique gelding has only been put up 6lb which could well prove to be very lenient.
Stroxx just failed by a neck to peg back Blackcurrent at Newcastle a few days ago and Tim Easterby’s charge can gain quick compensation in the Play 4 To Win At Betway Handicap Division One.
The Camacho gelding has yet to score in 12 attempts but he remains on a winning mark.
Jabbar stepped up on what he had showed on his first three starts to lad a first career success at Newcastle two weeks ago.
The penny dropped as the Galileo Gold colt led inside the final furlong to beat Fast Forward by a length and a quarter.
The Andrew Baldingtrained colt can defy a 5lb rise in the weights to strike again in the tote.co.uk Now Never Beaten By SP Nursery Handicap at Chelmsford.