MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE (Grade 1) (1)
Not the strongest of Grade 1s, more so down o question marks about some sorts over the trip, Nichols Canyon one who would benefit return to two miles, but is not as good as stablemate Shaneshill, Days Of Heaven who is not only a bit of a nutcase, but would surely have been best seen over 2m trip yesterday, and Parlour Games was not seen to best effect at Cheltenham, and could be found out over this trip by something with a bit more toe.
The two for me are Seedling and As De Mee. Seedling had come into the Supreme with good form, notably staying on best for get the better of Some Plan at Chletenham. In the Supreme he was just going too quick and blundered hurdle and unshipped Sheehan. Since he started hurdling career he’s always looked like a step up in trip would suit, and he’s been relatively overlooked in the market considering the weakness of the Novices’ away from the Irish Big Guns.
And that’s another reason why drawn to As De Mee. We saw yesterday with Thistlecrack that handicap to novice company is not a negative and As De Mee sauntered away from a good EBF field, and notably stable rival Great Try. He’ll be at home on this flat track, and with plenty likely to be prominent, he should be able to settle and travel in well behind them.
STAYERS’ HURDLE (Liverpool) (Grade 1) (1)
Day could get even better for Warren Greatrex later on in the card, with Cole Harden. Yes he had his own way at Cheltenham, but he isn’t one to wilt when pressure is applied, so even a contested lead wouldn’t bother him today, and it’s both him and Brother Brian which I think could take some pegging back. Both like to be up there, both will jump well, and both like this decent ground.
Brother Brian was too free, and did too much in the Pertemps, however we saw Call The Cops on Thursday show that the Pertemps was a decent race, and if freshness is out of him then he’s bound to outrun his price.
Cole Harden should be clear favourite here. He’s shown himself to appreciate this track when finishing a good 2nd to Beat That here last year. He jumps fluently, and battles, something which Zarkandar has to prove.
Selections
Seedling/As De Mee
Cole Harden/Brother Brian