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Racing Farringdon: Juriste’s out for a good time in the Toon

7-year-old should court good fortune in an all-weather affair at Newcastle, while Itchy Feet looks to tiptoe past the opposition at Haydock Park

IT’S the final big weekend of trials for the Cheltenham Festival, and tomorrow’s cards look hugely competitive — with SONG FOR SOMEONE set to enhance his already solid each-way Champion Hurdle prospects in the Grade Two Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton (3.18).

This slick-jumping six-year-old is on a four-timer following three wins at Grade Two level. The last of those was at Cheltenham in the International Hurdle, holding off the subsequent Christmas Hurdle hero Silver Streak under a fabulous ride from Aidie Coleman.

A clear-cut win here will see double-figure prices disappear pretty quickly for this underrated and still unexposed top-class timber topper. So if you haven’t backed him yet for the big one next month, I would suggest you grab an each-way slice of the 20/1 on offer now.

Another selection I am interested in here is OUR POWER, under top weight in the 2m5f handicap hurdle at 3.58.

The Twiston-Davies charge has run well in two class-two handicap hurdles at Haydock Park, and on the back of those performances the handicapper has released his grip somewhat. Add in the 5lbs claim of Jack Savage, and his mark has dropped from 136 to 131 since the beginning of the current campaign. The selection gets the vote over fellow top weight Sir Ivan and Oneupmanship.

And SIZING AT MIDNIGHT could be worth one final chance in the three-mile handicap chase due off at 4.33.

Colin Tizzard’s charge looked a shade unlucky not to win the feature Badger Beer Chase here in November, falling at the third-last despite travelling sweetly under Robbie Power at a time when his yard were hardly firing. But with them gradually hitting form, this looks a good chance for him off a mark of 135.

Over at Ascot there are several competitive handicaps on show, as well as the feature Ascot Chase (3.35). There are question marks about Cyrname following his blowout in the King George, and he is sure to be tested by recent Kempton winner Master Tommytucker. But the last-named is vulnerable if he doesn’t get his own way up front, and the value outside the first two could well be in RIDERS ONTHE STORM.

He was miles behind the Master last time out, but Ascot suits him so much better – as his win in this race indicates 12 months ago – and I am banking on a return to this course and distance reigniting his enthusiasm.

Of the many handicaps up for grabs, old Regal Encore – who loves this course and distance – will do well to give weight away all-round in the 2.25 to the likes of younger rivals Notachance, Newtide and my fancy JERRYSBACK.

The selection returned from a 399-day absence with a cracking third of 14 behind the smart Dashel Drasher over 2m5f here four weeks ago, and this step up in distance should be perfect for him off the same mark.

Kateson should run well in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at 3.00, but may have to settle for a place again behind the novice and lightly weighted GLADIATEUR ALLEN.

The five-year-old stayed on very strongly to win over two furlongs further last time out. And getting lumps of weight from his more experienced rivals on his handicap debut – with Chester Williams taking a further 5lbs off – makes him a very interesting proposition.

At Haydock Park, the Grade Two Rendelsham Hurdle at 2.05 is the feature event and sees the return to action of the current Stayers Hurdle champion Lisnagar Oscar. However, both him and Emitom have a penalty to carry and this could be best left to ITCHY FEET (nb), who gets 6lbs from both those rivals.

The Olly Murphy-trained charge has been running really well over fences this season in some top class events, behind the likes of Ryanair Chase contender Imperial Aura and Dashel Drasher.

After only six starts he remains exposed over hurdles and this looks an interesting opportunity for him on his first start over three miles — a distance that looks sure to suit him down the ground.

The three-and-a-half mile Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at 2.40 is going to be a real deep test of stamina, and could see LORD DE MESNIL bounce back to form.

He is 6lbs lower than when he was far from disgraced in the Welsh National, finishing ninth. And over his favourite course and distance, the nine-year-old may prove too strong for the lightly raced pair Sojourn and Enqarde.

Finally, on the all-weather, have a second look at JURISTE (nap) in the 4.20 at Newcastle and then further down the Gosforth Park card at PRIMO’S COMET at 7.30.

The first-named has been running well on the Tapeta at Wolverhampton and will be better suited to the stiffer nature of this course.

SUNDAY’S DOUBLE:
YOUNG DEV – 1.40 Navan (nap)
Champ – 3.00 Newbury

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