The introduction of a £100,000 bonus if the winner can follow up at Cheltenham has revitalised the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso, and eight of the 12 declared runners in today’s renewal hold at least one entry at the Festival in less than two weeks’ time.
The reappearance of Buveur D’Air, the Champion Hurdle winner in 2017 and 2018, adds extra depth to what is now one of the season’s most valuable handicap hurdles, and Nicky Henderson’s runner has gone well fresh in the past.
The 11-year-old does not hold a Festival entry, however, and is more likely to be building towards Aintree in April, while rivals including Metier, Cormier and Faivoir all have fitness on their side and the added incentive of the six-figure bonus, which The Shunter landed at the first time of asking last season.
Marginal preference is for Cormier (3.15), who posted a useful time when winning a competitive event at Cheltenham’s Trials fixture in January. Brian Ellison’s six-year-old can make the odd mistake but he remains lightly-raced over hurdles and his latest run – from a 4lb lower mark – suggests he is still improving.
Sedgefield
1.00 Lightning Attack
1.30 Where's Hector
2.03 Morningside
2.38 Thatbeatsbanagher
3.13 Manwell
3.48 Twoshotsoftequila (nap)
4.23 Ashjan (nb)
Huntingdon
1.10 Bucephalus
1.45 Chambard
2.20 Signal Point
2.55 Nashville Nipper
3.30 Nocte Volatus
4.05 Queen Of Fame
4.40 King Ferdinand
5.10 Roll With It
Newbury 1.15 If Stan Sheppard can get him away in front, Indy Five could be a tough opponent to pass at the business end.
Kelso 1.32 North Lodge overcame clear signs of inexperience to remain unbeaten at Cheltenham in January. The odds-on favourite departed early there but a decent time implies that the form is solid.
Newbury 1.50 A tightly handicapped field for the Greatwood Gold Cup but a 5lb rise for Glen Forsa seems more than fair after his first win since joining Charlie Longsdon last time.
Kelso 2.05 Famous Bridge looked the likely winner when he unseated Brian Hughes two out over track and trip last time. He can make amends off a 1lb higher mark.
Doncaster 2.20 Stamina for this step up to the three miles is the obvious question mark for Get A Tonic but she has a clear edge on form.
Southwell
1.00 Len Brennan 1.35 Massini Man 2.10 Activial 2.45 Geometrical 3.20 Kyntara 3.55 Hazard Collonges 4.30 Tarseem
Wetherby
1.45 Our Bill’s Aunt 2.20 Broomfields Kan 2.55 Cartonne 3.30 Jante Law 4.05 Indian Brave 4.40 Motown Lake 5.10 Grey Dawning
Wolverhampton
5.30 Caribbean Sunset (nb) 6.00 Obtain 6.30 Red Showgirl 7.00 Nellie French 7.30 Raabeh 8.00 Clap Your Hands (nap) 8.30 Seagulls Nest
Kelso 2.40 Espoir De Romay was still travelling strongly when he came down two out in a Grade One novice chaser at Aintree last season. The form of his comeback run at Carlisle now looks stronger than it did at the time and he can underline his potential here.
Doncaster 2.55 The Big Bite has a good record at this track and looks ready to go one better after a close second here last time.
Doncaster 3.30 Cloth Cap, the 2020 Ladbrokes Trophy winner, has been given a chance by the handicapper but has not looked himself this season, so the progressive Le Milos is the safer option.
Kelso 3.43 Heartbreak Kid is on a decent run of form since being fitted with blinkers three runs ago. A 6lb rise for a seven-length win last month may not be enough to stop him.
