The opening contest at Sedgefield looks like a good opportunity for Blackwater King to get off the mark at the first time of asking over hurdles. The Beneficial gelding cost £85,000 after winning his sole start in Irish points and made an encouraging start in bumpers despite failing to land the odds when runner-up at Carlisle last month, waited with and travelling well before conceding the first run and never quite able to get to grips with the winner. He could hardly be in better hands switched to obstacles today, and is worth supporting at odds-against.
The next race on the card is the 13:20 and Petara Bay is taken to score. A half-brother to fairly useful hurdler/useful chaser Percussionist (by Sadler's Wells), the son of Peintre Celebre was a smart performer at his best on the Flat and, having left Robert Mills for £17,000 in October, made a pleasing start to his hurdling career when third over seventeen furlongs at Taunton late last month, travelling better than most. He is entitled to do better with that experience under his belt, and the step up in trip should suit.
Switching to Lingfield and Master Milan looks overpriced in the 15:00 handicap chase. Admittedly his recent return run was disappointing, but he remains unexposed as a chaser and it is hard to forget the positive impression he created on a couple of occasions over fences last season. The fact he goes well on testing ground further enhances his claims this afternoon, and at morning odds he is certainly worth a play.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Blackwater King @ 2.0421/20 in the 12:50 at Sedgefield
Back Petara Bay @ 3.39/4 in the 13:20 at Sedgefield
Back Master Milan @ 7.26/1 in the 15:00 at Lingfield
