Stella can bring an end to a fallow spell
Stella Barclay’s place on the cold list could be coming to an end with Little Stevie in today’s two-mile handicap hurdle at Huntingdon.
The Lancashire trainer hasn’t won a hurdle race in the last five years – although successful over fences – but perhaps today’s the day.
The seven-year-old ran a fine race at Kelso for Russell Ross in October, when onelength second to Iolani, before joining Barclay. He was unlucky in the closing stages, when carried left by the winner close to the line and, up just 2lb, is in a lesser contest today. Nikki Evans’ Maroc was another who found Lady Luck turn her back, as he ran out when amateurridden at Doncaster seven weeks ago. Brian Hughes takes over in division two of the two-mile race, on a six-year-old who was going well in the lead at the time.
There was still a mile to run, but the son of Rock of Gibraltar was made favourite that day and this is the weaker of the two divisions.
It would only be fair to allow Ivilnoble his poor run at Chepstow last month, when the three-mile trip was beyond his stamina limit.
He is much better judged on the previous run, a fine three-quarters-of-alength second to Hold The Note at Doncaster, over half-a-mile shorter.
Little Stevie (Huntingdon 2.30).
Maroc (Huntingdon 3.05).
Ivilnoble (Huntingdon 1.0). The mares novice hurdle looks very soft and perhaps A Little Chaos’s easy victory at Fakenham and 120 rating, will be good enough.
A Little Chaos (Market Rasen 2.10).