Follow Azzuri to chase away winter blues

Skelton’s five-year-old prospect can put disappointing return behind him

AZZURI has to be shortlisted for the Carling Novices’ Hurdle at Wincanton

The five-year-old son of Azamour had some interesting form last season, with his second-placed finish in the Adonis at Kempton a clear example of his worth.

He also did well to finish third in the Grade One for four-year-olds at Aintree in the spring.

And though he was, on the face of it, a little disappointing upon his return to the fray at Wetherby over Christmas, the winner that day, Craggaknock, is well regarded and ended up running in a Supreme trial at Haydock.

Dan Skelton must be optimistic that there is a great deal more to come from Azzuri this season.

RIVER FROST is on a roll at present and a third win on the bounce looks within his grasp in the Fortress Home Insurance Handicap Hurdle.

Winner of a novice event at Plumpton in November, he followed up with a six-length verdict when switched to handicap company at Kempton last time.

River Frost was left clear when the leader fell at the last, but he could have won regardless as he was closing in to make his challenge at that point.

A 10lb hike looks a bit harsh on the face of it, but River Frost is still relatively unexposed and could have a bit up his sleeve yet.

PINK GIN has only limited mileage for a nine-year-old and he can supplement his recent success with another victory in a three-mile handicap hurdle at Towcester.

He has clearly had his issues but everything fell right last time at Exeter as he registered his first win in two years when triumphing by two lengths in what was admittedly only a moderate event.

However, Pink Gin looked capable of a bit more that day and can step up to the mark off a 10lb higher perch here.

TOP VILLE BEN is the pick in the opening Haygain Hay Steamers Clean Healthy Forage “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.

A point-to-point winner last April, he was bought for 70,000 euros later that month before making his debut under Rules at Ludlow in December.

Nicky Henderson’s charge raced a bit keenly that day but still won by three-and-a-half lengths in a bumper event before proving equally as impressive when triumphing on his hurdles bow at Leicester last month. SELECTIONS:

TOWCESTER: 1.35 Top Ville Ben, 2.10 Eaton Rock, 2.45 Pink Gin, 3.20 Quill Street, 3.55 Shy John, 4.25 Ypsilanti.

WINCANTON: 1.25 AZZURI (NAP), 2.00 Baby King, 2.35 Hitherjacques Lady, 3.10 River Frost, 3.45 Pilgrims Bay, 4.15 Ask The Weatherman, 4.45 Dark Invader.

DOUBLE: Azzuri and Top Ville Ben.