Boldmere to build on return

BOLDMERE can get back on the winning trail with victory in the Anne Duchess of Westminster Memorial Handicap Chase at Bangor.

Caroline Bailey’s charge won two of his first three outings over fences last term, impressing on just his second start when making shor t work of winning a Leicester handicap by 12 lengths, before defying a 10lb rise to follow up at Doncaster in December.

Another 9lb hike prompted Bailey to raise her sights to Grade Two company in the Towton Novices’ Chase at Wetherby and it looked as though it would be an inspired move as Boldmere raced prominently and looked well in control with a small advantage coming to the final obstacle.

However, he got it all wrong and took a heavy fall, costing him what looked set to be a decisive victory.

Any hopes of spring compensation were dashed by the lock down, but Boldmere showed enough on his recent Chepstow spin to suggest he could yet make his mark at a decent level.

While a 21-length fourth might not seem promising, Boldmere raced pretty freely before getting tired and it was encouraging to see him put in a couple of bold leaps, with progression for the outing assured.

GLITTERING LOVE can make the most of a return to fences in Ayr’s William Hill Racing Radio Handicap Chase after a move back to hurdles at the end of last term failed to produce any joy for trainer Nicky Richards.

William Haggas ’ POETRY AND ART can make her fitness edge tell in the Uni bet Casino Deposit £10 Get £40 Bonus Novice Stakes at Kempton.

Caroline Bailey.