Huntingdon's opening handicap hurdle at 14:20 is the first race under consideration today, where useful ex-flat recruit Daliance looks to have an excellent chance over an extended two miles. There was much to like about his last start at Market Rasen, only his second in handicap company, where he found only the in-form winner too good. He travelled strongly through the field and responded generously in the closing stages, although his jumping let him down a little. Nevertheless he has made a very solid start to his career over hurdles, and looks to be off a very workable mark of 108; provided his jumping has improved for the experience, he should take some beating. There are of course dangers, headed by Makari who represents the mighty Seven Barrows team and has shown a liking for ground on the softer side in the past, and the hat-trick seeking Kettlewell.
We remain at the Cambridgeshire track next where another flat recruit, Beachfire looks to have conditions in his favour in the two and a half mile novices' hurdle at 15:20. He was a useful handicapper in his Flat days when in the care of John Gosden, including a win in the Wolferton Handicap at Royal Ascot. Add to that his impressive win here in a maiden hurdle in August when beating once highly-touted stablemate New Year's Eve, and he looks to have enough on form to take this contest. He did make a mistake at the final flight when clear last time, but it was only his second start over hurdles and the way in which he travelled through the race and made headway into the lead suggested there was more to come. He won readily, and although today's test is under different conditions in terms of trip and going, he should have it well within his compass to win again. A mention must go to Charlie Longsdon inmate No No Charlie, quite possibly named after the phone calls his Oxfordshire handler is getting when considering his entries nowadays, considering the unbelievable form the yard is in.
The final bet of the day comes from the Flat action at Newcastle, where Generous Dream holds strong claims to the staying handicap due off at 16:00. Her effort last time when a three and a half length third to the re-opposing Cowslip at Ripon was the best of the season so far, and today she has a 4 lb pull at the weights with her conqueror. She has improved for each start this term, and treated on the best of her form last season, including when second over C&D here, her current mark of 58 looks more than reasonable. She will also appreciate the soft underfoot conditions, with the more rain that comes the better. All-in-all she looks to have an excellent chance, although Cowslip does merit respect despite being worse off at the weights today, and looks an unexposed sort over staying trips.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Daliance @ 6.86/1 in the 14:20 at Huntingdon
Back Beachfire @ 3.953/1 in the 15:20 at Huntingdon
Back Generous Dream @ 6.86/1 in the 16:00 at Newcastle
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