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Robin ready to rock at Wetherby

3 minute read

Castle Robin can improve on his sound record over fences by winning the Every Race Live On Racing TV Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase at Wetherby.

Charlie Longsdon's charge has already shown he is a decent recruit by winning twice since switching to the bigger obstacles, at Doncaster and Exeter, from four attempts.

One of his two defeats came over this three miles in December when he was fourth to Saint Palais. But that horse is smart, winning at Uttoxeter on Saturday, so trying to give him 16lb was a tough task to say the least.

He lost two shoes during the race as well, which clearly would not have helped. It is probably best to put a line through that performance and Castle Robin can put the record straight here.

North Parade was a winner at Sedgefield last time and another success looks perfectly possible in the Wetherby Racecourse Car Boot Sales Handicap Hurdle.

He is another that has taken a while to find the winning groove, but his Sedgefield victory represented solid form with the first four home all having shown something in recent weeks.

North Parade kept on well for trainer Sue Smith and his two-and-a-half-length verdict offered plenty of encouragement for a follow up.

It is surely a matter of time before Equus Dreamer registers his first fencing win and that moment could come in the In Memory Of Tim Hale Handicap Chase at Exeter.

He has had three attempts for Kim Bailey so far this season, finishing third and fourth before undergoing wind surgery in December and returning to the track last month.

Bavington Bob proved three-quarters of a length too good on that occasion, but Equus Dreamer had done his best, turning in a fine round of jumping before striking for home four out and just being caught on the run to the line.

Given that was Equus Dreamer's first run for 73 days, it is reasonable to expect a bit of progress for the outing and a 2lb rise may still be within his compass.

Stormy Flight can recapture his sparkle dropped back in distance in the Harcombe Handicap Hurdle.

Third in a two-and-a-half-mile seniors event at Newbury, Stormy Flight ran well over the same extended two and a quarter miles he faces here when chasing home Bear Ghylls last year.

Presuming Ed has come off second best the last twice, but can convert silver to gold in the Bet £10 Get £20 At Novibet Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at Market Rasen.

Trainer Adam West is shrewd in placing his horses and he was unfortunate to come up against Petit Tonnerre, who was making his British debut, when last seen.

The fact that rival was due to run in the Fred Winter on Tuesday before a late setback underlines the merit of the form.

Venetia Williams had a tremendous Cheltenham and Grand Turina can continue her spell of excellent form by taking the Bet Responsibly At Novibet Mares' Handicap Chase.

The 11-year-old disappointed on her latest start at Taunton three weeks ago when some of her string were under a cloud. That effort is best forgotten and Grand Turina can bounce back with victory in this small field.

SELECTIONS:

CLONMEL: 1.45 Spare Brakes, 2.18 En Avant, 2.53 God Help Us, 3.28 Mise Raftaire, 4.03 Donnrua Dream, 4.38 Kildorrery, 5.10 Boulon Trou.

EXETER: 1.53 Fair Frontieres, 2.26 Wind Tor, 3.01 Equus Dreamer, 3.36 Stormy Flight, 4.11 Famous Clermont, 4.46 Park Hill Dancer.

MARKET RASEN: 1.00 Presuming Ed, 1.35 Kamaxos, 2.10 Grand Turina, 2.45 Coolmoyne, 3.20 Last Royal, 3.55 Trixster.

WETHERBY: 1.26 Silkstone, 2.01 Learntalot, 2.36 Dr Sanderson, 3.11 North Parade, 3.46 CASTLE ROBIN (NAP), 4.21 Storm Force One, 4.56 Train Hill, 5.31 Chasing Fire.

DOUBLE: Castle Robin and Equus Dreamer.