Flat: Doncaster, Newbury, Wolverhampton, Dundalk
NH: Fakenham, Newcastle
All about 1 horse for me tomorrow - Charlie Longsdon's Vulcanite in the 3.05 at Fakenham. Now owned by JP McManus and McCoy takes the ride, he makes his handicap debut off a mark of 134. With decent efforts in some top-class novice hurdles last season, this race looks well within his scope and the early 9/4 on offer with Bet365 tonight looks a very, very juicy price.
Oddy, I can't agree with you about 9/4 being a juicy price for Vulcanite in what is a very, very competitive handicap.
Marodima reached 150 over hurdles and then deteriorated down to 121. Recent chasing efforts have rejuvenated him but his mark of 134 may be too much.
Grey Soldier has a similar profile to Marodima and returns to hurdles, but was disappointing over sticks and tries hurdles again off a mark 11 lbs lower than previously achieved.
Laudatory and Kayaan have much the same chance on the book- after their run behind Local Hero at Market Rasen.
However, there are a couple lower down the weights which appeal more.....
After very moderate efforts over hurdles last season, Porgy ran well on the All-weather before going back over timber recently. After a good third at Catterick, he has won his last two races- giving 7lbs and a beating to odds on favourite, The Romford Pele, at Market Rasen. The latter did not let the form down when a decent second behind Court Minstrel at Cheltenham last week. He will be a big danger to them all.
However, there could be a real 'fly in the ointment' in this race.
Cheshire Prince. After winning his final race of 2010 at Sandown, he only ran twice last season, and obviously had training problems.
Last month he left Neil King's stable to join Amy Downie's small operation.
On his first run at Stratford, he started at 80/1 and cruised up to join the leader at the second last- looking full of running. Unfortunately he skewed on landing over the jump and unseated his rider.
Having watched the race, he looked very unlucky and would certainly taken a big hand in the finish. Today, he runs off the same mark of 120 and useful claimer, Michael Byrne, takes off his 5lbs claim. He should have little to fear from Laudatory who was 6th in that race at Stratford- and is now 7lbs worse off.
Although Porgy has a big chance, I am hopeful Cheshire Prince will run a big race at long odds. Certainly worth an each way bet.
Cheshire Prince. Best Price 33/1 (Bet 365).