Forest can be treemendous in Sefton test
last time. The Ditcheat raider is tailor-made for the demands of this unique challenge and can leave some classy rivals trailing in his wake under Bryony Frost.
One For Arthur makes his long-awaited return in the Many Clouds Chase but I’ll have to take him on with the race-fit
DEFINITLY RED (2.05). Brian Ellison’s gelding is a proven Grade 2 performer and he returned with an easy win over the talented Black Corton in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby.
The nine-year-old has to give 6lbs to his three rivals but he has a respectable record here and can follow up last year’s success in this 3m 1f showpiece.
Gordon Elliott can enjoy another big winner in the UK with SMILING ELIZA (2.40) in the Betway Fillies’ Juvenile Hurdle.
The three-year-old developed into a classy novice over the summer and recorded another personal best when hammering
Our Legend at Punchestown in October.
The filly should be fighting fit after a spin on the level at Leopardstown and can earn some valuable Black Type with further progress on the cards.
FOREST DES AIGLES (3.15) can give Lucinda Russell another famous winner over the big fences in the Grand Sefton.
The seven-year-old has been upwardly mobile as a chaser and jumped like a stag when hacking up from Monbeg River at Ayr.
This is obviously tougher but he is still nicely unexposed in
this sphere and will be trained to the minute by Team Arlary.
More top-class action at Sandown where LALOR (1.50) can take another step forward in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase.
Kayley Woollacott’s star ended his timber career by landing a Grade 1 at Aintree in April then absolutely bolted up on his fencing bow in the Arkle Trial at Cheltenham.
The six-year-old jumped like an old hand that day and can produce another command performance as long as the going doesn’t turn heavy.
APPLE’S SHAKIRA (2.25) can get her career back on track for Nicky Henderson in the December Handicap Hurdle.
The mare landed her first three starts for Team Seven Barrows only to fall short at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals.
A drop into handicap company looks more realistic and the fouryear-old can hand out weight and a beating to some useful rivals.
Henderson then unleashes superstar
ALTIOR (3.00) in the Tingle Creek Chase.
The eight-year-old is probably the best Jumper in training anywhere and landed another two Grade 1s last season despite a delayed start to his campaign.
The gelding faces three classy opponents but he is miles clear on the ratings so get ready for another vintage effort.
ROYAL VACATION (3.35) can give Colin Tizzard another lucrative Saturday winner in the London National.
The eight-year-old had been in the doldrums but equalled his excellent novice form when splitting Rock The Kasbah and
Coneygree at Cheltenham. There should be plenty more to come from this talented type over staying trips and he can build on his Prestbury heroics in this weaker contest.
Apple’s Shakira can be flavour of the month in big handicap hurdle at Sandown.