The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Texas Forever can prove lone star for Bailey
Rise in handicap not enough to take shine off eight-year-old’s hopes
TEXAS FOREVER should get the job done in the two-mile handicap chase at Southwell.
Kim Bailey’s eight-year-old had shown next to nothing over fences, but he improved notably in first-time cheekpieces at Hereford last month.
Texas Forever finished second to Caprice D’Anglais over two miles, which will have done him the power of good.
Though he has gone up a little in the handicap, he looks a worthy player against likely favourite Un Prophete.
LISTEN TO THE MAN holds a mares’ hurdle entry at the Cheltenham Festival and is unlikely to falter in the novice hurdle over two miles.
Dan Skelton’s seven-year-old, a point-to-point and bumper scorer, was disappointing on her hurdling bow at Newcastle on January 7, when only second behind Catchamat at odds of 1-9.
That defeat has at least been soothed by Catchamat having won again, but there is little doubt Listen To The Man must quickly redress the balance.
WILLSHEBETRYING could be worth a little interest in a handicap hurdle at Lingfield.
Mark Hoad’s six-year-old is still winless, but she ate up late ground to finish fourth at Fontwell earlier in the month and should appreciate stepping back up in trip. SELECTIONS: LINGFIELD: 1.50 Athy River, 2.25 Annie Alainn, 3.00 Burgess Dream, 3.30 Tearsofclewbay, 4.00 Cape Caster, 4.30 Willshebetrying.
SOUTHWELL: 1.00 Its’afreebee, 1.30 TEXAS FOREVER (NAP), 2.00 Bite The Biscuit, 2.35 Champ, 3.10 Listen To The Man, 3.40 Lady Buttons, 4.10 Flemi Two Toes.
DOUBLE: Texas Forever and Willshebetrying.