National hero can return to best form

ONE For Arthur can get his season back on track with a victory in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock today.

The 2017 Grand National hero has endured only bad luck since that memorable Aintree success, with injury keeping him on the sidelines for the entirety of last season, while his return over regulation obstacles on Merseyside in December came to an early end at just the third fence.

He blundered badly that day and Tom Scudamore had no chance of maintaining the partnership, but the vibes from trainer Lucinda Russell had been very positive in the build up to that outing.

One For Arthur has since satisfied his team in a racecourse school and with regular rider Derek Fox back on board now, he can take a hand in the finish at reasonably healthy odds.

Global Citizen found the Christmas Hurdle at a step too far, but should be more at home in the The New One Unibet Hurdle.

Trainer Ben Pauling felt it was worth a tilt at top-level company following his Gerry Feilden win at Newbury, but after trying to make all, it soon became clear that Global Citizen would not be the one serving up a shock. This is clearly nowhere near as hot an event and Global Citizen can take full advantage and resume an upward curve.

Jerrysback faced a tough task last time out against Vinndication, one of the best novices around, and he can go one better in the Patrick Coyne Memorial Altcar Novices’ Chase.

A 50-1 winner at Bangor the time before, he proved that was no fluke when chasing home Kim Bailey’s potential star at Ascot.

Given he has only had five runs over rules, he missed a season with injury, he remains full of potential.

The fact just three to go post in the Matchbook Clarence House Chase at Ascot is in large part testament to the exceptional contender that is Altior.

Nicky Henderson’s stable star is impossible to oppose as he goes in search of his 17th successive victory, and his eighth Grade One strike.

At long odds on, he is certainly not a betting prospect, but we should all put our pockets aside to marvel at the two-mile star.

But if you are looking for a bet in Berkshire, you could do worse than supporting Magic Of Light in the OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle.

Jessica Harrington launched a successful raid on Newbury before Christmas with this eight-year-old, who came home a clear-cut winner of a Listed event over fences.

She is rated 25lb higher over the bigger obstacles and even though her current hurdles perch means she has chunks to find with her rivals here, she appears a different animal nowadays.

Harrington would not be sending