Universum can be your Mister Right
TODAY’S racing will be rain affected. In the opening novice hurdle at Stratford, Mister Universum has better credentials than main rival, Champagne City.
Dan Skelton’s five-year-old won on soft ground on the flat at Nancy last April and has been gradually getting the hang of the hurdling game.
Last time saw a big step forward when an easy winner over today’s course and distance, defeating 116-rated Jodie’s Jem by a comfortable nine lengths.
Champagne City did us a favour when obliging at Kelso in May. But he came off the bridle late on last time, before finally asserting from Thahab Ifraq.
Buble was an easy winner of a maiden hurdle two weeks ago. So it’s a surprise to see him dropped into a seller, which would appear to be easy pickings.
He was very impressive under Tom Scudamore in his last-time-out victory, leading just after halfway and drawing clear from two out to win by eight lengths.
The son of Milan has been a close-second twice – on soft and heavy ground – in his points’ days in Ireland, so should be happy on the surface.
Canicallyouback is not ground dependent, having won twice on heavy and good-to-firm in his last six outings and he can take the Class 2 Handicap Chase.
A mark of 118, with Conor Ring taking off 3lb, seems feasible, based on his hurdle form. But Definite Future will be a danger, if present.