A busy Wednesday of jumps action comes from Sedgefield and Southwell, live on Sky Sports Racing. Here are the key races and a quick guide to the runners to watch.
4.00 Southwell — Country And Western Night Maiden Hurdle
Road To Wembley and Novelista head the market in this informative maiden. Olly Murphy’s Road To Wembley ran with plenty of promise when second on his hurdling debut at Warwick and, with Sean Bowen booked and natural improvement expected, he looks the one to beat. Novelista, who was useful on the flat, could be the main danger despite only finishing sixth on his hurdles bow at Ascot in January; he has been given time to strengthen. Top Coeur (rated 116) for Christian Williams with Kielan Woods is also in the mix and completes the shortlist.
3.10 Sedgefield — Play Like A Stockton Rocket Handicap Chase
This opener shapes up as a tricky contest with Realisation and Mountain Mike prominent. Charlie Longsdon’s Realisation returned to form with a first chasing success over this course and distance last month and should remain competitive despite a six-pound rise. Mountain Mike is lightly raced over fences and produced his best effort when second at Hereford; the step up in trip and a one-pound drop in the weights could suit. Ailt An Chorrain showed he can run well at Catterick recently but needs to bounce back after a lesser effort there.
3.00 Southwell — Easter Family Fun Day Novices’ Handicap Chase
Recent winner Big Boy Barney takes on Intenzo in what looks a solid novices’ handicap. Big Boy Barney opened his account over fences at Huntingdon and, having had just one run since December, is expected to progress further with Jonathan Burke taking the ride. Mark Walford’s Intenzo shaped well on his chasing debut at Sedgefield and merits respect as he steps up in trip with Jamie Hamilton booked. Ukantango is another to note — he met trouble at Warwick last time and could improve switching to fences.
Other Races to Watch
– 3.30 Southwell: Queens Charm clashes with Rose Of Knocknamoe.
– 4.30 Southwell: Passing Pleasure looks to return to winning ways.
– 4.40 Sedgefield: Cosmic Soul bids for a hat-trick.
– International action: Sha Tin features Zac Purton and Andrea Atzeni, while Compiegne stages a Listed race at 12.27 and a Group Three at 1.12 with eight runners in the latter.
Keep an eye on the cards for any late declarations or changes; these races look competitive and could throw up a few surprise results.