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Our tipster returns with a handicapper to back
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Recent Newcastle scorer can win again
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Conditions should suit in-form selection
Sedgefield, 12:50 - National Question each-way @ 11/26.50
Bred by Jim Bolger, National Question is starting to pay his way for his current connections and a second success over hurdles last time could be supplemented by a third in this event.
The son of Fracas, winner of the Derrinstown Trial for David Wachman back in the day, went one better at Gosforth Park than he had the previous year when runner-up at 40/1 by taking that Class 5 handicap in smooth fashion under a confident ride from Charlie Maggs.
Twelve months ago, National Question then followed up his creditable effort with a first hurdles victory at Hexham and he looks to have bright prospects of repeating the winning feat off a basement mark just 4lb higher than when successful at Newcastle.
Ground conditions will no doubt be easier here, but his close relation Historic Heart won a number of easy ground events for Nigel Hawke and the top three rated sons of Fracas; McTigue, Young Dev and Hawke's five-time winning hurdler all won with a generous cut in the ground.
Of course, there is always the potential for a sizeable punt to transpire on Expelliarmus who has followed a method utilised to great effect by connections in recent years.
Switching a horse which found the competion in Ireland too hot to Ben Haslam has proved a profitable rout in seasons gone by and two summer jumping outings has seen his mark slip to an enticing 99 from 107.
It will be interesting to see how the market reacts to his chance following a 117-day absence given he has been 25/126.00 and 80/181.00 for his two UK starts, but as limited as National Question is, he is at least in good form and has form around this venue.
Back National Questions, E/W, in 12:50 Sedgefield