Lady Markby can crown Market visit with victory
LADY MARKBY has been well beaten twice this term but is worth another shot in the 32Red.com Mares’ Handicap Hurdle at Market Rasen.
Emma Lavelle’s six-year-old has had to settle for third on both outings this season, but she was beaten by 20 lengths on the first occasion and 11 lengths the second time, although behind decent horses.
She shaped with much more promise than her 50-1 price suggested at Uttoxeter, while Listed winner My Khaleesi was too good for her at Fontwell last month.
Lady Markby shaped with some promise in those runs though and given two miles was perhaps just a touch too sharp for her, the step up to two and a quarter miles can bring about further improvement.
Castafiore finally hit the mark at the fourth attempt over obstacles last month and is taken to follow up in the North Lincs Components & Bass Tyre Services Handicap Hurdle.
The ex-Andre Fabre recruit looked to have a bit to learn in the jumping department when she finished second on her debut for Charlie Longsdon at Warwick in November but she then found Grade One-placed Evening Hush a cut above at Aintree.
Beaten 21 lengths, Castafiore was well fancied to finally get her head in front at Musselburgh next time up but she crashed out when still in with a chance and connections must have wondered what it would take to get a win with this filly.
However, patience prevailed last time as Castafiore came home six lengths clear at Ludlow and her initial handicap mark of 120 for this event leaves a good bit to work on for Longsdon.
Aintree My Dream was highly tried earlier in the campaign but a race like the Heineken EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Ffos Las is much more his level.
He was hardly disgraced in being beaten into fourth behind Messire Des Obeaux at Grade Two level before Christmas but Aintree My Dream subsequently proved disappointing when only third at Haydock on his next outing after that.
However, he raced far too keenly which clearly cost him as he promptly showed that running to be all wrong when winning as an even-money favourite on his next start.
Aintree My Dream looks a thoroughly useful individual and while he holds no Cheltenham Festival entries, it is not hard to imagine him pitching up at his namesake track in the spring.
Abbeygrey was beaten less than a length last time out but can make amends in the Heineken Handicap Chase.
A winner at Exeter in December, Abbeygrey was whacked up 10lb in the handicap for that success but is clearly still competitive judged on his Fakenham effort last month.
The handicapper left him alone after that run and Abbeygrey can put up another good show.