Rocky Creek made a pleasing start to his chasing career when finishing second to Harry Topper at Exeter and he should be capable of registering victory in the 13:00 at Doncaster. The form of that initial effort has been well advertised with the winner landing a Grade 2 on his only subsequent start, and, having had only the four career starts under rules, Rocky Creek remains open to substantial improvement.
Conditions look sure to be highly taxing at Cheltenham but that should pose few problems for the promising novice hurdler Coneygree in the 13:55. Mark Bradstock's five-year-old hinted at ability in bumpers, but it is since going over hurdles that the half-brother to the popular chaser Carruthers has really made an impression, winning on both starts, including in graded company here at the Open meeting. Stamina appears to be his forte and it is envisaged that the step up in trip, in highly-attrional conditions, can conjure further improvement out of Coneygree.
Concerns have been raised about how well a four-year-old will handle the hustle-and-bustle of a competitive race such as the 2:30 at Cheltenham, but Unioniste looks to have plenty in his favour as he steps into handicap company for the first time. The Paul Nicholls-trained grey jumped impeccably at Cheltenham last time behind Dynaste and Fingal Bay, and his accurate fencing looks to be a big positive in his favour. Although competing from out of the handicap, his able jockey Harry Derham claims a useful 5lb, and the fact he is running off such a light weight could prove to be a real advantage in such testing conditions.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Rocky Creek @ 1.9110/11 in the 13:00 at Doncaster
Back Coneygree @ 2.1211/10 in the 13:55 at Cheltenham
Back Unioniste @ 6.611/2 in the 14:30 at Cheltenham
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